Crime

Trial opens for man charged with historic sexual offences

Published

2 years ago

February 8, 2024

SWANSEA CROWN COURT heard harrowing testimony as the trial of Kevin Offland, 45, opened this week.

The mother of one of his alleged victims has recounted the immediate and dramatic change in her daughter’s behaviour following an alleged rape at the tender age of 11.

Offland, currently a resident of Nichols Road, Great Yarmouth, is accused of a series of grave sexual offences spanning over two decades.

Offland faces a list of eighteen charges, including three counts of rape, the rape of a child under 13, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, alongside thirteen further allegations of sexual activity with a child.

These offences are reported to have occurred across Pembrokeshire and Shrewsbury areas, painting a distressing pattern of abuse that has left communities shaken.

The defendant has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges laid against him.

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, the mother of one victim delivered a poignant account of her daughter’s ordeal. She revealed to the jury that her daughter confided in her about the assault in December 2018, stating, “She told me that Kevin Offland had raped her when she was 11 years old. She was crying, like she didn’t want to tell me.” The mother described a stark transformation in her child’s demeanour post-incident, noting a shift from a “happy” and “really calm” state to one of turmoil and distress, a change she initially attributed to teenage angst.

In a cross-examination, Nicola Powell, defending, queried the consistency of the mother’s statements to the police, highlighting an evolution in the account from uncertainty to a definitive allegation of rape. The witness firmly responded, affirming her daughter’s allegation against Offland.

The jury was also presented with the police interview of the complainant, where she disclosed her reluctance to come forward sooner due to fear and disbelief, poignantly stating, “I was just a little kid. Who would have believed me over this man?”

The defence suggested a possible motive of collusion against Offland among the complainants, a claim swiftly refuted by the victim, who clarified their collective pursuit was not of vengeance but justice.

The court learned of Offland’s relocation to Wales around 2011, with allegations against him dating back to 1998. The prosecution alleges Offland’s predatory actions began when he was 19, with his first reported rape occurring in February 1998 against an 18-year-old. Further accusations include the rape of a second victim between 2000 and 2003, the 11-year-old girl between 2008 and 2009, and additional charges of rape and sexual abuse against other young victims through to 2022.

The trial continues.

Crime

Milford Haven disturbance sees two women arrested

Published

55 minutes ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO WOMEN were arrested following a disturbance at the Mount Estate in Milford Haven on Saturday night (May 9).

The Herald understands the arrests followed an altercation involving four people.

Video circulating on social media shows two women lying face down on the ground outside while handcuffed and restrained by police officers.

In the footage, officers can be heard telling one woman that she is being arrested on suspicion of assaulting police.

Both women were then taken away, each flanked by officers.

Other women can be seen speaking to those detained while they remain on the ground.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for further details, including confirmation of the number of arrests, the nature of the incident, and whether anyone was injured.

Crime

Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock

Published

22 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ELIZABETH COURT SCENE STOOD DOWN AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A FOUR-HOUR police standoff in Pembroke Dock has ended with a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident at Elizabeth Court has now been stood down and the scene released.

The man has been taken to hospital to receive medical attention.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “I want to thank local residents for their patience while we dealt with this incident. I understand that such a large police presence in a residential street is concerning to see, and I’m grateful to everyone who co-operated with our officers at the scene.

“I’d like to offer my reassurance that our units responded to an isolated domestic incident, and there was no further threat posed to the wider community. The scene has now been released, and we will investigate the full circumstances of this morning’s incident.”

Officers were called to the address this morning (Saturday, May 9), with a large police presence remaining in the area for several hours.

Eyewitnesses told The Herald that police were asking a man upstairs to come down, with tasers drawn during the incident.

Police dogs, specialist officers and what appeared to be a negotiator were also seen at the scene.

The incident lasted from around 11:00am until about 3:10pm.

Crime

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL

A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident at Milford Haven School.

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 8).

He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding with a knife.

The charges relate to an incident at Milford Haven School on Thursday, February 5, when emergency services were called after reports that a teacher had been assaulted by a pupil carrying a weapon.

The school was placed into lockdown and pupils were later safely evacuated.

The injured teacher was taken to hospital with stab wounds, but was discharged later the same day.

Police said at the time that specialist officers were supporting the victim and the wider school community.

The teenager was remanded in custody following Friday’s hearing.

A trial is due to begin on July 6.