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Stephen Haydn James, a 52-year-old man from Tenby, was involved in a series of events leading to his conviction for sexual offences and subsequent breach of conditions. On 16 September 2023, James committed sexual assaults on two young girls in separate incidents within shops in Tenby town centre. He touched a six-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl in a sexual manner, actions that were later described in court as deliberate and predatory.
James appeared at Swansea Crown Court in November 2023, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault. The court heard details of the incidents, which occurred in public spaces, highlighting the brazen nature of the offences. Presiding over the case, the judge imposed a sentence of 13 months' imprisonment, of which James would serve up to half in custody before release on licence. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offender register for 10 years and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration to protect the public from further harm.
Released on licence on 3 April 2024, James was required to relocate to Gwent and comply with strict notification requirements. However, in May 2024, he returned to Pembrokeshire without authorisation, registering at Haverfordwest Police Station as of no fixed abode and intending to live in a tent. As a homeless individual, he was instructed to re-register every seven days and attend probation appointments, but he failed to do so. Dyfed-Powys Police issued a public appeal on 20 June 2024 to locate him, noting his tendency to sleep rough along coastal areas, particularly in the Tenby vicinity, including near Kiln Park Holiday site, South Beach, and the Lydstep coastal path.
The appeal proved effective, with James arrested the following morning at around 10am near Kiln Park Holiday site. When questioned, James admitted awareness of his obligations but stated he had consciously decided to avoid the police. He appeared before Swansea Crown Court last month, pleading guilty to breaching the notification requirements of the sex offender register. The court sentenced him to eight months' imprisonment for this violation. Police expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance in locating him, as reported by Tenby Today on 1 August 2024.
Original offences: Two counts of sexual assault on 16 September 2023. Sentence for assaults: 13 months' imprisonment (November 2023). Breach details: Failure to register post-release in April-May 2024. Sentence for breach: 8 months' imprisonment (July 2024).