JEFFREY LIAS FROM HAVERFORDWEST AND PRESTON SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE

In a case that has shocked the communities of Haverfordwest and Preston, Jeffrey Lias, a 50-year-old man, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years after being convicted of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The sentencing took place at Swansea Crown Court, where Mr. Recorder Chris Clee presided over the proceedings.

At the heart of the case was the devastating impact on the victim, who, in an emotional impact statement, described her childhood as being 'completely ruined' by Lias's actions. She expressed that she has struggled with trust issues ever since and continues to suffer from nightmares. Her words underscored the profound and lasting trauma inflicted upon her by the defendant.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Ian Wright, highlighted the severity of the offenses. Lias, who at the time of the crimes resided on Dark Street in Haverfordwest, denied charges of rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child. However, the jury found him guilty on all counts after a thorough trial process.

In his sentencing remarks, Mr. Recorder Clee described Lias's conduct as 'dreadful' and emphasized that the case was a 'campaign' of abuse. He noted that the verdicts warranted a high category of sentencing, reflecting the gravity of the crimes committed. The judge also ordered that Lias would not be eligible for parole until the Parole Board is satisfied that he no longer poses a threat to the public.

Furthermore, Lias, who now resides on Oak Street in Preston, Lancashire, will be subject to lifelong registration as a sex offender and will remain on license until 2037. An order was also issued preventing him from making any contact with the victim, aiming to protect her from further harm.

Prior to the sentencing, concerns arose when an online entry appeared, possibly on the last day of the trial, which identified the victim despite a court order to protect her identity. The court instructed Dyfed Powys police to investigate the matter, with Lias's defense attorney, Ieuan Bennett, stating he had not posted the entry. The judge emphasized the seriousness of this breach and called for a thorough investigation.

Earlier in March 2018, Lias was convicted after a jury found him guilty of raping a young girl, with the case stemming from a complaint made by the victim to her mother years after the alleged offenses. The police were involved after social services were contacted, leading to his arrest. Lias was remanded into custody immediately following the verdict, and his sentencing was scheduled for March 19, where a probation officer was to assess whether he posed a future danger to other children. The judge warned that Lias faced a 'very long prison sentence' and emphasized the importance of community safety in his decision.