Cardigan Man to Face Crown Court Over Alleged Child Sex Offences

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A 45-year-old man from Cardigan is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court next month after being accused of committing multiple sexual offences involving a 14-year-old girl.

Gavin Carter, of Felin Ban, stood before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court where he faced three serious charges under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The allegations include causing a child to view sexual content for his own sexual gratification, engaging in sexual communication with her, and encouraging her to take part in sexual activity involving penetration.

The court was told the alleged incidents took place on July 12 at Carter’s home in Cardigan. The identity of the child involved is protected by law under Section 1 of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 and cannot be published.

Court Transfer

Due to the nature and seriousness of the allegations, magistrates determined the case should not be dealt with at a local level. Under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, they referred the matter directly to Swansea Crown Court. Carter is expected to appear there on Thursday, August 15, at 9:00 a.m.

During the short hearing, Carter did not enter any pleas. He was represented in court by his solicitor, Tom Lloyd. The magistrates’ bench consisted of Mr C Pattison, Mr L Evetts, and Mr A Smith.

Bail was granted under tight conditions. Carter must remain at his home address in Felin Ban every night and follow a curfew between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. He is strictly forbidden from having any unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18 and is not allowed to use any devices that can access the Internet.

These conditions are typical in cases of this nature, designed to protect potential witnesses and prevent further offences while legal proceedings are ongoing. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that charges had been formally brought, but declined to comment further at this stage.

The case has drawn concern from locals, especially in light of growing public demands for a tougher stance on crimes involving children. Many feel the justice system needs to send a clearer message when it comes to the protection of young people and the consequences for those found guilty of such offences.

Carter remains presumed innocent until proven otherwise. His next appearance at Swansea Crown Court will allow more details to be presented and for the legal process to move forward.

Since the initial hearing, Carter or his legal team has not commented, and it remains to be seen how he will respond to the charges at the upcoming court date. Further updates are expected as the case continues.