Crime

Community raises funds for former teacher’s court fine

Published

1 year ago

June 27, 2024

THE PEMBROKESHIRE community has successfully raised the funds needed to cover the court fine of former teacher Rhodri S. Jones within just 24 hours. The GoFundMe campaign, launched to support Jones after his conviction for assaulting a child at Ysgol Caer Elen, has met its £600 target.

Jones, 40, of Hayston View, Johnston, had pleaded guilty to assault by beating. He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher, who highlighted the difficulties faced by teachers in maintaining discipline without physical interaction. Jones, described as mortified by the incident, resigned from the teaching profession following the altercation where he pushed a pupil who was being cheeky and rude.

The court fined Jones £400, with additional costs and a surcharge bringing the total to £645. No compensation order was made against the victim, with the presiding magistrate deeming it inappropriate.

The fundraiser, organised by Andrew Phillips, saw an outpouring of support from the community, quickly surpassing its goal. Donations flooded in from parents, colleagues, and local residents who felt the punishment was too severe for what they considered a minor incident.

Jones expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed with the support of the community, and I can’t believe how generous everyone has been. This has been a difficult time for me and my family, and this support means the world to us.”

The rapid success of the campaign highlights the strong sense of community and the high regard in which Jones is held. Supporters emphasised his dedication to teaching and lamented the loss of a valued educator from the profession.

This collective effort not only alleviates the financial burden on Jones but also sends a powerful message of community unity and support. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced by teachers and the pressures of maintaining discipline in modern educational environments.

Crime

Milford Haven man denies child sex charges as trial date set

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A MAN originally from Milford Haven has pleaded not guilty to a series of sexual offences involving a child after recently moving to Cornwall.

James Kershaw, aged 45, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Quethiock, Cornwall, appeared in court on Friday (Dec 19), where he denied all four sexual charges put to him.

The hearing was his first Crown Court appearance in the case, during which a trial date was fixed for October 5.

Kershaw was allowed to remain on bail under strict conditions, including that he must have no contact with any prosecution witnesses.

Kershaw appeared via video link from his solicitor’s office in Cornwall. The judge described this as “a very generous decision by the listings officer” and said it had “presumably been arranged due to the distance from you to the court”.

Allegations denied

The charges relate to alleged incidents said to have taken place in Liskeard, Cornwall, between October 26 and November 1, 2023.

Kershaw is accused of engaging in sexual communication with a child under the age of 16 and of causing a child aged 13 to watch sexual activity. He also faces two allegations of causing or inciting a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity of a non-penetrative nature on separate dates.

In addition, Kershaw is charged with two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed by Derby Crown Court in May 2022. These allegations include the use of an undisclosed Facebook account and the deletion of messages, both of which are said to be prohibited under the terms of that order.

Kershaw denies all allegations.

The court ordered that Kershaw may remain on bail pending trial, subject to conditions including a strict ban on contacting any witnesses.

The complainant’s identity is protected by law under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

The case is due to return to court when the trial begins in October.

Crime

Swansea man jailed for online child sex offence dies in hospital

Published

20 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SWANSEA man who was jailed earlier this year for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child has died in hospital soon after leaving custody at Parc Prison.

Gareth Davies, aged 59, of the Maritime Quarter, had been serving an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted in May of sending sexually explicit messages to what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The account was in fact a decoy used as part of an online safeguarding operation.

The court heard that Davies began communicating with the decoy between November and December 2024 and persistently pursued the individual, later attempting to arrange a face-to-face meeting. He was arrested after being confronted by the decoy operators.

Davies had pleaded not guilty but was convicted following a trial. At the time of sentencing, police described the messages as extremely concerning and said his imprisonment was necessary to protect children.

It has now been confirmed that Davies died in hospital after being at HMP Parc on Wednesday (Nov 27).

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an independent investigation into the death, which is standard procedure in all cases where someone dies in custody or in hospital shortly after being at prison.

A HMP Parc spokesperson: “Mr Gareth Davies (DOB 12/08/1966) passed away at an outside hospital on 27 November 2025.

“As with all deaths in custody, this will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. The cause of death will be for the coroner to determine.”

No cause of death has been released at this stage.

A coroner will determine the circumstances in due course.