Crime

Suspended sentence for distribution and possession of child abuse images

Published

2 years ago

April 14, 2024

IN a controversial decision at Swansea Crown Court, 20-year-old Euwyn Draper of Goat Street, Haverfordwest, has been spared prison time despite admitting to possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

The court heard that Draper pleaded guilty to charges involving 74 Category A images — the most severe — along with 102 Category B and 385 Category C images. These were amassed and shared over a period last year, with specific distributions occurring on November 4, 2022.

Prosecutor Sian Cutter detailed that the investigation began with a raid at Draper’s residence on December 21, 2022. Although Draper was not present, and initial searches of his devices at his home returned no results, subsequent actions led to his arrest at his workplace. Upon confronting law enforcement, Draper immediately acknowledged his awareness of the reasons for their presence, lamenting, “I know why you’re here. I don’t do it anymore. I’m sorry.”

Further examination of his phone revealed not only the indecent images but also concerning internet searches and conversations indicating a focus on children. Notably, Draper had sent one image of each category to a contact named “Ralph” via WhatsApp.

Despite these admissions, Draper, who has no prior convictions, denied a sexual interest in children during his interview.

Representing Draper, defence lawyer Dan Griffiths stressed the defendant’s recognition of the gravity of his offences and highlighted his client’s age and immaturity at the time of the offences. The court also considered the prolonged period since the arrest to the trial, a span of 16 months.

Judge Geraint Walters addressed the court, underscoring the public’s disdain for such crimes and the harsh reality behind the images. “These are real children, they are not actors,” Judge Walters emphasized, condemning the market that drives such exploitative material.

Ultimately, Draper received a suspended sentence of 12 months for distribution and six months, concurrent, for making the images. Over the next two years, he must complete the Horizon programme and 30 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, Draper will be registered as a sex offender and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

Judge Walters concluded with a stern admonition for Draper to commit to rehabilitation and to move past this “dark phase” in his life, marking a pivotal moment for the young defendant and the community’s ongoing battle against such digital crimes.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

12 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Crime

Man charged with attempted murder after A44 collision near Aberystwyth

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged following a single-vehicle collision on the A44 near Capel Bangor, Aberystwyth.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened on Tuesday, June 30.

Owen Rhys-Jones, of Dol-y-Bont, Aberystwyth, has been charged with attempted murder, dangerous driving, and controlling and coercive behaviour.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before court.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are asking anyone who was in the Capel Bangor area at around 8.50pm on Tuesday, June 30, to come forward.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed a disturbance in or around Capel Bangor, or who may have phone, video or dashcam footage of the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police through the force’s dedicated online portal.

The force said: “We would like to thank the local community for their support while officers have carried out extensive enquiries, and to those who have supported our investigation so far.”

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over alleged Cardigan cocaine and cannabis supply

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

Court Reporter

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to Crown Court to face a series of alleged drug supply offences in Cardigan.

Harrison Casey, of Harebell Way, Brownsover, Rugby, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jul 2).

He faces six charges relating to alleged offences at Bridge Street, Cardigan, between April 7 and April 24, 2023.

The charges include being concerned in the supply of cocaine, a Class A drug, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis, a Class B drug.

Casey is also accused of possessing cannabis with intent to supply, possessing tetrahydrocannabinol with intent to supply, being concerned in an offer to supply THC edibles, and possessing flualpazolam, a Class C drug.

There were no pleas to the charges at this stage.

Magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Casey was granted unconditional bail and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on August 3 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.