A Milford Haven removal man has appeared before Swansea Crown Court to deny ‘sexually touching’ a 16-year-old girl.
Ryan Carlmain, 29, faces three charges of sexual assault, by intentionally touching the child during an alleged incident on June 6, 2021.
He denies all three charges.
Today (Friday), Judge Catherine Richards questioned why it has taken Dyfed-Powys Police so long to bring the matter to the Crown Court.
“There seems to be a lack of appreciation of the impact of this sort of delay,” she said.
“The impact on young people who make a complaint and who might have expected to have their evidence done quickly is disappointing to say the least, and borders on the unprofessional, when you’re dealing with such young people
“ It beggars belief, quite frankly.”
As a result of her concerns, Judge Richards ordered a report into the delay to be completed by April 5.
Carlmain’s trial will commence on June 5 when a Section 28 ground rules hearing will take place enabling the complainant to have her cross-examination video-recorded away from the courtroom. This evidence will subsequently be played during the live trial.
The live trial will resume on July 31.
Carlmain was released on conditional bail.
Following a request from his defence barrister Mr Jon Tarrant KC, Judge Richards agreed to reconsider one of his bail conditions, namely a daily curfew which, according to Carlmain, is impacting on his employment for a removal company. Judge Richards will report her conclusions concerning this request at Swansea Crown Court next Monday, March 20.
