News

Closing arguments at Swansea Crown Court in James Oulton case

Published

3 years ago

April 30, 2021

THE CLOSING arguments in the trial of a Haverfordwest primary school teacher accused of sexually assaulting 11 children have been heard at Swansea Crown Court today (Apr 30).

In her closing statement, the prosecuting barrister, Clare Wilks told the jury that they must consider the evidence concerning James Oulton, 34, fairly and remain unemotional.

Ms Wilks described the defendant as “an extremely popular teacher at the school who had ample opportunity to act.”

She told the court how his actions were “deliberate and subtle”, and that James Oulton had “perfected his technique so not to get caught.”

But Defending, QC Chris Clee told the jury that it would be easy to think the “weight of numbers must mean he is guilty” but asked the jury to also consider the numbers of students Oulton has taught throughout his career – 673 pupils.

Chris Clee QC said the 11 children who have made allegations against him amount to just 1.7% of the children he had taught.

He reminded the jury how the burden to prove guilt lies with the prosecution and it is not down to the defendant to prove his innocence.

Mr Clee added that Oulton was cautioned at the start of each interview, and despite the prosecution accusing the defendant of “setting up his defence” and accusing him of “getting more savvy as the interviews went on”, he had no obligation to answer any of the questions put to him in the initial interviews.

He added: “He chose to answer every question and give evidence in this court, he didn’t have to do neither.”

Oulton’s barrister told the jury that DC Evans, the investigating officer in the case, held the view that his client’s primary reason to teach was “to get closer to children, especially girls.”

He told the court how Oulton volunteered all passwords to electronic devices that the police seized.

He said that if the prosecution is right in this case, that the fact Oulton was able to carry out these events in broad daylight without being caught was a stroke of “extraordinary luck”.

Turning to the credibility of the prosecution witnesses, he told the court how ten of the eleven victims had “positive feelings towards James Oulton.”

Responding to the prosecution case that Oulton kept the cards and letters from the children as “some form of insurance or trophy” – he added, it was a “straightforward common sense it was evidence of affection the children felt for James Oulton.”

Clee branded another witness a “bully” saying there was clear collusion between them – as another witness went along with her as she was “scared of her” and said that it “snowballed from there”.

He added: “It is inconsistent, unreliable and not worthy of belief.”

Tackling the accusation made by one of the witnesses that Oulton had a cupboard in his classroom which contained alcohol and party invites for the children, he said these allegations were “entering into the realms of fantasy”.

QC Clee also accused DC Evans of cajoling the witnesses during their interviews, with a police officer asking one child: “Is there anything else? I feel like you’re holding back?”

Speaking of the six defence witnesses who gave evidence in support of Oulton, he said: “They were prepared to come to court and give evidence in support of him.

“By giving evidence that tells you the allegations are not true.”

However, the adult witnesses were not willing to be named in the media, and the defence applied for a press gagging order saying that they would be reluctant to attend court to support Oulton otherwise. The order was granted.

The case will continue Tuesday, May 4.

It is expected that there will be a verdict in the case next week.

Community

Final ‘Stop the Stink’ protest planned for County Hall

Published

22 mins ago

May 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are gearing up for a pivotal demonstration outside the Pembrokeshire County Council at County Hall, scheduled for Thursday, May 14th. The protest, named “Stop the Stink,” aims to press the council and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) into action against the ongoing environmental issues at the Withyhedge landfill site.

From 9:00 to 10:30 AM, community members, environmental activists, and concerned citizens plan to converge on the steps of the county building to make their voices heard before the NRW’s critical deadline. This date marks when the landfill operators are required to complete necessary remediation efforts to prevent toxins from leaking into the local environment.

Colin Barnett, the organiser of the demonstration, highlighted the importance of the protest. “This gathering is crucial. It’s our final chance to influence the council’s decisions and push for real change before the deadline. Our community deserves a safe and healthy environment, and we must hold those responsible accountable,” Barnett stated.

The Withyhedge landfill has been the subject of intense scrutiny following reports that harmful toxins could be escaping into the surrounding areas, posing significant health and environmental risks. Despite ongoing investigations and some interventions by NRW, public trust remains low regarding the effectiveness and transparency of the measures implemented so far.

Demonstrators are expected to display signs with messages such as “Protect Our Children” and “No More Toxins,” calling for immediate and effective action. The protest aims to ensure that the community’s concerns are not only heard but acted upon with urgency.

As the May 14th approaches, the stakes are high for the residents of Haverfordwest, who are calling for decisive and immediate action from their local leaders.

This final “Stop the Stink” protest represents a critical moment in their ongoing fight for a cleaner, safer environment.

Crime

Arrest after £1,800 of items stolen from Boots in Pembroke Dock

Published

43 mins ago

May 7, 2024

Court Reporter

A 27-YEAR-OLD Romanian has been remanded in custody after stealing over £1,000 worth of items from Boots in Pembroke Dock.

Raj Domnu was arrested by police officers after being observed stealing the items on April 13. He appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on April 22 when admitted stealing items totalling £1,818.53.

The matter was adjourned for an all-options probation report to be prepared prior to Domnu’s sentencing, and this week he re-appeared before Haverfordwdest magistrates court via a video-link from Swansea Prison where he has been remanded in custody.

“The report has been prepared, but my client doesn’t understand a word of English so I’m unable to discuss it with him,” said his solicitor, Michael Kelleher.

Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson also stated that to sentence Domnu without the assistance of an interpreter would be judicially unfair to the defendant.

As a result, the matter was adjourned to May 13. Domnu, of Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe, was remanded in custody.

Crime

Farm mechanic admits drink driving after losing control of vehicle

Published

45 mins ago

May 7, 2024

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm mechanic has been sentenced by magistrates after driving his vehicle at speed towards another car when he was over the drink-drive limit.

William Griffiths was driving his Seat Leon on an unclassified road between Maenclochog and Clarbeston just before 7pm on April 22.

“Another motorist was on her way home and she slowed down when the vehicle in front of her indicated to turn right,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“But she then heard the sound of screeching tyres and saw a car travelling towards her at speed, breaking heavily and swerving across the road.”

The out-of-control car was being driven by William Griffiths, 47, of Clyn, Maenclochog.

“He shunted forward and skid marks could be seen on the road,” continued Ms Jackson. “Police officers were called and when they spoke to the defendant, they could smell alcohol on his breath.”

A roadside breath test proved positive and Griffiths was taken to a police custody suite where he gave two further breath tests, the lowest giving a reading of 67 mcg. The legal limit is 35.

Ms Jackson confirmed that during a police interview, Griffiths admitted drinking three pints of lager earlier that evening.

“It’s sad that someone at the age of 47 comes before the court with a hitherto clean character,” said his barrister, David Griffiths, in mitigation.

“This was an exceptional situation as my client had been told that one of his friends had died suddenly that day.

“Because of this, he called into a pub and drank more than he should have.”
Mr Griffiths said that his client works as a self-employed mechanic on his family farm.

After considering the facts, magistrates disqualified Williams Griffiths from driving for a total of 18 months. He was fined £440 and ordered to pay a £176 court surcharge and £85 costs.