A 38-YEAR-old man has been remanded in custody after being accused of a string of child abuse charges. John William Powell, of Llansaint near Kidwelly, appeared before magistrates at Llanelli court via video link from Parc Prison, Bridgend, on Thursday.


Powell stands accused of indecently touching, in a sexual manner, five eight-yearold girls at a property in Cefneithin on June 7.


He has also been accused of touching one of the youngsters, also in a sexual manner, on three further occasions between February 1 and June 7, and touching another of the girls on two occasions between the same dates.
In addition, Powell faced further charges of indecently touching a seven-year-old girl on three separate occasions at an address in Penygroes between October 18, 2011, and April 17, 2012.


He has also been charged with carrying out an indecent act on the seven-year-old at the Penygroes property between the same dates.

Powell entered no pleas to any of the charges and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Magistrates were told that due to the seriousness of the offences, the case against Powell had to be sent directly to the crown court.


Powell was remanded in custody until he appears at Swansea Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on Friday, July 20.