Crime

70-Year-old woman in court over death baby Mabli

Published

1 year ago

August 23, 2024

A 70-YEAR-OLD woman has appeared in court charged with causing the death of an eight-month-old baby girl following a tragic crash outside Withybush Hospital last year.

Bridget Curtis, of Begelly, Pembrokeshire, stood before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court, facing a serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

REPORT FOR BBC WALES TODAY 22.08.2024

The charge stems from a devastating incident that took place on June 21, 2023, when Curtis, behind the wheel of her BMW 520D, was involved in a collision that led to the death of Mabli Cariad Hall, an eight-month-old baby girl.

A report from bbc wales today earlier this year, on the anniversary of baby mabli’s death

During the brief court appearance, Curtis, represented by John Dye of 3D Solicitors Ltd, only spoke to confirm her name, date of birth, and address. She did not enter a plea. The case has been committed to Swansea Crown Court, with a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for September 20, 2024. Curtis was granted bail until her next court appearance.

The tragic event unfolded just outside Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 11:50am, responding to reports of a serious collision. The crash involved four people, including the infant, a pedestrian, the driver (Curtis), and a passenger in the vehicle. The severity of the crash prompted an immediate and extensive emergency response.

Mabli Cariad Hall was airlifted from the scene to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff before being transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, Mabli succumbed to her injuries. An inquest later revealed that the cause of death was severe traumatic brain injuries, a tragic outcome that has left the community reeling.

In the months following the accident, Mabli’s family has endured an unimaginably difficult period. In a statement released by Dyfed-Powys Police, the Hall family expressed their deep gratitude towards the police for their diligent handling of the case. “This last year has been the most horrendous time of our lives. Our family life has been changed forever, and to this day, we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened,” they said.

The family also acknowledged the support they received from 2Wish, a charity that offers assistance to families who have experienced the sudden loss of a child. They described reaching this stage of the legal process as a significant step forward, though they remain aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

“We are grateful that we have now reached this stage of the process. We understand we have more to come, but this is the biggest step forward we’ve had since June last year,” the family noted.

The family’s statement also extended thanks to friends, family, and the broader community who have supported them during this challenging time. “We will never forget the love and support shown to us and for the memory of our precious angel, Mabli Cariad,” they said.

The charge of causing death by dangerous driving is a serious one under Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The case’s transfer to Swansea Crown Court indicates the gravity of the alleged offence and the complexities involved in the legal proceedings.

Crime

Milford Haven man denies child sex charges as trial date set

Published

2 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

18 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.