Crime

Ex-Scout leader jailed over historic sexual abuse of two children

Published

6 months ago

December 12, 2025

Abuse carried out in Pembrokeshire and Newport between 1997 and 2002

A MAN who abused two children while working as a Scout leader has been sentenced to prison for historic sexual offences carried out in Pembrokeshire and east Wales.

Paul Skilton, 68, of Llangwm, was convicted at Newport Crown Court of five sexual offences following a jury trial. The offences included two counts of indecency with a child and three counts of indecent assault.

The court heard that the abuse took place between 1997 and 2002, when Skilton was aged in his forties. Two children were targeted, with incidents occurring at locations in Pembrokeshire and in Newport, Gwent.

The prosecution said Skilton forced a young girl to touch his penis and then pressed himself against her. In a separate incident involving a boy, he reached inside the child’s clothing and touched his buttocks.

Prosecutor Nick Gedge read statements from both victims. The female victim said the abuse had damaged her ability to trust men. The male victim described long-term harm to his mental health and said the abuse had affected the course of his life.

Defending, Ruth Smith told the court that mitigation was limited because Skilton continued to deny the offences despite the jury’s verdict. She said he had no previous convictions and had otherwise led a law-abiding life.

Ms Smith also said Skilton had been actively involved in Scouting for many years and that no earlier allegations had been made against him. She added that his poor physical health would make custody particularly difficult.

Recorder Paul Hartley-Davies said sentencing was constrained by the law in force at the time the offences were committed.

Skilton was sentenced to a total of four years and six months in prison.

He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years. Both victims were granted restraining orders preventing any contact.

Skilton was acquitted of six further charges relating to similar allegations.

Crime

Man wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts

Published

2 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN is wanted by the courts after failing to attend a hearing relating to a series of alleged shop thefts in Pembrokeshire.

Jack Morgan, of Pembroke, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) but failed to attend.

The court heard that Morgan faces several allegations of shop theft from businesses in Pembrokeshire.

The charges include the alleged theft of vodka from the Co-op in Pembroke Dock, along with food and drink items including sausages, crisps and Dragon Soop from The Green Garage.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on various dates earlier this year.

After Morgan failed to attend court, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

He will now be brought before the court once located by police.

Court officials heard that the matters remain before the court and no pleas have yet been entered.

Crime

Shop theft admitted after alcohol stolen from Haverfordwest store

Published

12 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A WOMAN has admitted shoplifting alcohol from a Haverfordwest store.

Esme Hoyle appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) charged with theft from a shop.

The court heard that Hoyle stole alcohol worth £17 from B&M in Haverfordwest on Sunday, April 6.

Hoyle pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates sentenced Hoyle following her guilty plea and imposed financial penalties, including prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

The court was told the offence related to a low-value retail theft from the town centre store.

Retail theft continues to place pressure on local businesses across Pembrokeshire, with stores increasingly reporting repeated incidents of shoplifting.

Crime

Man jailed after admitting strangulation and assaults

Published

14 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN has been jailed after admitting a series of offences including intentional strangulation, assaulting a police officer and assault by beating.

Darren Claypole, aged 52, of no fixed abode, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16).

The court heard that Claypole admitted intentionally strangling a woman during an incident earlier this year.

He also pleaded guilty to assault by beating and assaulting a police constable in the execution of their duty.

The offences were committed across separate incidents, with the court hearing details of repeated offending.

Claypole entered guilty pleas before magistrates Dr R Talbot-English, S Ley and A Smith.

He was sentenced to an immediate term of imprisonment.

The court also imposed a restraining order to protect the complainant and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge.

Magistrates said the offences were serious, particularly the strangulation allegation, which Parliament has recognised as a significant indicator of escalating domestic violence.