Judge says victim had no idea his offer of assistance was driven by sexual motive

A CARMARTHENSHIRE pensioner has been jailed after sexually assaulting a vulnerable teenage girl he pretended to help in a town centre.

Nigel Page, 68, of Ger-y-Capel in Llangain near Carmarthen, was sentenced to 10 years in prison at Swansea Crown Court after being convicted of sexual assault.

The court heard Page encountered the heavily intoxicated teenager in Carmarthen town centre in August last year. The girl needed somewhere to charge her phone and Page offered to take her back to his home, presenting himself as a good Samaritan willing to help.

However, once inside the property, the situation quickly escalated.

Prosecutors said Page removed his clothes and put on a pair of stockings and a thong before pushing the teenager to the floor. He then kissed her and rubbed his crotch against her stomach before sexually assaulting her.

Fearing she was about to be raped, the girl managed to escape from the house and flagged down a passing motorist who gave her a lift back into town.

The court heard that Page also left the property and returned to Carmarthen in search of the teenager, although his reason for doing so was never established.

Page denied the offence but was found guilty by a jury following a trial.

Defending, Dyfed Thomas told the court that a mental health disorder had played a role in what he described as the defendant’s “irrational and bizarre” behaviour that night.

Sentencing him, Judge Catherine Richards said the teenager had been extremely vulnerable and unable to make sensible decisions when she accepted Page’s offer of help.

She said the victim had no idea his apparent act of kindness was motivated by sexual attraction.

The judge also told the court that Page had shown little genuine insight into his actions and had been refusing to take medication for his mental health condition.

Given the erratic behaviour he displayed during the evening, Judge Richards said she was satisfied there had been an “ulterior motive” behind Page’s decision to go back into Carmarthen to search for the girl after she fled.

Page was sentenced to 10 years in prison and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Questions raised in Senedd over vetting procedures and overseas links

THE LEADER of the Welsh Conservatives used First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd on Tuesday (Mar 10) to demand answers from the First Minister following the arrest of three men on suspicion of assisting Chinese intelligence services.

Darren Millar MS said the case raises serious questions about potential national security risks and whether appropriate safeguards are in place within Welsh Government structures.

It has emerged that the three men arrested had previously held political roles connected to the Welsh Labour Party and/or the Welsh Government. All three are also reported to have had links to the energy company Bute Energy.

Mr Millar told the Senedd that the situation required urgent clarification from the First Minister, including when she first became aware of the arrests and whether any review of vetting procedures had been launched.

The issue follows an emergency question tabled by the Conservative leader last week, which he said had not been fully answered.

During Tuesday’s exchange, Mr Millar asked whether the Welsh Government had begun reviewing its security and vetting arrangements for staff working both within government and in its overseas offices.

The Welsh Government operates three overseas offices in China as part of its international trade and investment network.

Mr Millar argued that the existence of these offices meant the public needed reassurance that robust checks were in place.

He told the Senedd: “These arrests are extremely concerning and raise serious questions about whether Welsh Labour and the Welsh Government may be a weak link in our UK national security.

“Today I sought clarity on the extent of the Welsh Government’s exposure, what safeguards were in place, and what steps are now being taken both in Wales and in the Welsh Government’s overseas offices in China to protect our national interest.

“Public confidence depends on transparency and accountability, particularly when matters of foreign influence and national security are involved.”

Mr Millar also criticised what he described as the Welsh Government’s recent engagement with Vietnam, suggesting relationships with overseas governments should be reviewed.

He said: “The Welsh Labour Government has also been cosying up to the Communist regime in Vietnam in recent years.

“We know that social media accounts based in Vietnam are seeking to influence our democracy with fake news and AI generated posts.

“It’s high time that the Welsh Government’s relationships with both China and Vietnam were reviewed to ensure that they are not a back-door for malign influence.”

The Welsh Government has not yet issued a detailed response to the concerns raised during First Minister’s Questions.

RESIDENTS and visitors are invited to uncover the stories of one of Wales’ most fascinating ancient landscapes at Discovering the Golden Road, a special event taking place on Saturday 18 April at Tafarn Sinc.

The afternoon begins with a two-hour guided walk through the spectacular Preseli Hills, led by Tomos Jones, Community Archaeologist at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Participants will explore the rich archaeological heritage of the area and discover the history of the Golden Road, a prehistoric trackway believed to have been used for thousands of years, linking ceremonial sites and communities across the landscape.

After the walk, guests will return to Tafarn Sinc for an informal Q&A session with Tomos, offering time to reflect on the landscape, delve deeper into its stories, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.

Katie Macro, Charity Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “The Golden Road is one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic ancient routes, and events like this help people connect more deeply with the landscape around them. By supporting experiences that celebrate our heritage, we’re also raising vital funds to protect the special places that make the National Park so unique for future generations.”

Jennifer Wheeler, Founder of Golden Road Gin, said: “What a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the Preseli Hills and the Golden Road. There is so much nature and history to uncover, and it’s wonderful to discover it with a real expert. We’re incredibly proud to partner with the amazing work of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust to help conserve our heritage and nature. We can’t wait for this event and will be offering gin tasting following the walk and talk.”

The event is delivered in partnership with Golden Road Gin, with thanks to Jen and Phil for their generous support. The company donates 10p from every bottle sold online to the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, helping to fund conservation and heritage projects across the National Park.

Lunch will be available to purchase on the day.

Discovering the Golden Road will take place on Saturday 18 April at Tafarn Sinc, Rosebush. Tickets cost £15 and can be booked online at https://pembrokeshirecoast.enthuse.com/DiscoveringtheGoldenRoad#!/.

For accessibility information, please contact Abi Marriott at [email protected].