Crime

Young girls raped for over a decade

Published

4 years ago

September 26, 2022

Christopher James was convicted of 22 counts of child rape, sexual assault and indecency

A WEST WALES man subjected three young girls to a campaign of systematic sexual abuse spanning more than a decade. Christopher James repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted the children after moving to Wales from Worcestershire.

The 60-year-old was convicted at trial in Swansea Crown Court of 22 counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, rape, attempted rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, rape of a child under 13, and attempted rape of a child under 13. Sending him to prison for a total of 21 year, a judge told the defendant that in the experience of the courts, offending of the kind committed by James had life-long impacts on victims.

Barrister Nicola Powell, for James, said while the defendant respects the processes of the court, he maintains he is innocent of all the charges. She asked the judge to bear in mind her client has a good side to his character, a submission supported by references from friends and family members.

Christopher James, now of Brynheulwen, Blaenannerch, Ceredigion, had previously been convicted at trial when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

Geraint Walters told the defendant he had been convicted of “systematically abusing” three girls over a period of more than 10 years. Following the sentencing guidelines the judge sentenced James, who is originally from Stourport-on-Severn, to a total of 21 years in prison. The defendant will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.

Speaking after the hearing Dyfed-Powys Police senior investigating officer detective inspector Llyr Williams said: “James committed unthinkable crimes against young children so we welcome this sentence and hope it serves as a warning to anyone else who may be considering similar abuse. If you commit crimes such as these against vulnerable children we will make sure you are brought to justice.

“I would like to commend the victims in this case who have shown strength and bravery in coming forward and throughout the investigation and trial that James put them through. We hope that today’s sentence will give them some comfort and allow them to take steps to move on with their lives.

“This has been an extensive and exhaustive investigation that has taken more than two years to bring to court. I would like to thank the officers and support staff who have worked so hard, dealing with distressing matters, to bring James to justice.

“If you have been abused, please don’t suffer in silence. We will listen to you and support you through the investigation.”

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.