Huw Bridges

Huw Bridges, a 65-year-old man from Haven Drive in Hakin, Milford Haven, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with two offences of sexual assault against a teenage girl aged 16.

The first incident occurred on June 2, 2024, when Bridges took the victim to Carew Castle, a remote location in Pembrokeshire, on his motorbike. There, during a walk, he kissed her despite her attempts to move away and her statements that it made her feel uncomfortable. He then intentionally touched her breasts and vagina over her clothing. The victim reported the assault to her parents almost immediately upon returning home.

The second incident took place between October 2020 and October 2021, during which Bridges touched the victim's vagina over her clothing. The prosecution, led by Hannah George, argued that Bridges had a sexual interest in teenage girls.

Bridges denied both charges. In his police interview on June 14, 2024, following his arrest, he provided a prepared statement denying any sexual touching. Regarding the kiss, he claimed he had put his arm around the complainant and pecked her on the cheek to comfort her, insisting it was not sexual in nature.

After approximately two-and-a-half hours of deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts on both counts. Judge Geraint Walters adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report, released Bridges on bail, and required him to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2025, at Swansea Crown Court.

This case was reported by Tom Moody, Court and Crime Reporter for the Western Telegraph, highlighting ongoing concerns about sexual offences in west Wales.