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Crime

Haverfordwest man on trial for alleged historical child sexual abuse

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A HAVERFORDWEST man has gone on trial accused of sexually abusing a girl over several years from when she was as young as four.

Richard Lewis, 50, formerly of Haverfordwest, appeared in the dock at Swansea Crown Court, charged with seven child sexual abuse offences.

Lewis faces six counts of assaulting a child under the age of 13 by penetration, with the alleged incidents occurring between July 2004 and July 2009. The complainant was aged between four and eight years old at the time of these allegations. Additionally, he is charged with the attempted sexual assault of the same child when she was between eight and twelve years old.

Lewis, who now resides on Priory Street in Carmarthen, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutor Craig Jones opened the case by informing the jury that Lewis is accused of sexually assaulting the complainant in various locations, including a field, behind a garage complex, and in his vehicle.

“He would buy her treats: sweets, ice lollies, and ice creams,” Mr Jones stated. “There were times that the defendant asked the complainant if she liked what he was doing to her. The complainant felt she had to say yes. On one occasion, she did say no. She noticed that the defendant didn’t like that. She felt that she let him down by saying no.”

Mr Jones further explained that the complainant disclosed the allegations to her parents during her teenage years, after receiving sex education in school. However, she was adamant she did not want to report it at that time.

Lewis was arrested and interviewed on March 6, 2022, where he denied sexually assaulting the complainant. In a second interview on August 26, 2022, he provided a prepared statement.

The trial continues before Judge Paul Thomas KC at Swansea Crown Court.

 

Crime

Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock

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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.

 

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Crime

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

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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.

 

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Crime

Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge

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ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room while behaving aggressively and racially abusing staff.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were called to Silverdale Lodge at around 8:55am on Saturday (May 2) following reports of disorder involving a resident.

According to police, the man allegedly acted aggressively towards staff members and made racially abusive comments before barricading himself inside a room at the property.

The force said armed officers were deployed to ensure the safety of staff, other occupants and the man himself.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police was called to Silverdale Lodge in Johnston at approximately 8.55am on May 2 following a report of a male behaving in an aggressive manner and being racially abusive towards a member of staff.

“Officers attended the scene and the male had barricaded himself in a room.

“In order to ensure the safety of the male, staff members and other occupants of the building, armed officers attended the scene.

“The man was detained and arrested. There were no injuries to members of staff or officers reported. There is currently no ongoing threat to the public.”

Police confirmed Billy Pitman, aged 29, has been charged with racially aggravated public order offences, criminal damage and threats to cause criminal damage in connection with the incident.

Pitman was remanded into custody and appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 4).

We will bring you the court result as we receive it.

 

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