A ‘well-known’ Abergavenny man who had entered guilty pleas for offences relating to the sexual assault of a child at the start of his trial has applied to vacate his admissions.

Daniel Hickey, who initially stood trial at Cardiff Crown Court on August 11 2025, previously confessed to five counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of causing or or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of sexual assault of a child under 13 and one count of rape.

Hickey changed his plea to guilty for nine of the 25 counts originally brought against him part-way through the trial, but has now allegedly changed his legal team after two psychiatric reports ordered by his defence revealed he showed no signs of dementia. The Chronicle has been told he wants to vacate his guilty plea on the basis of being ‘ill-advised’ by his previous counsel.

Now the woman who reported the abuse, who was his partner’s daughter, has voiced her frustration at the fact that over a year after the sudden conclusion of the trial there has still been no justice.

“Navigating the criminal justice system has taken a huge toll on my mental health, and I live with PTSD,” she said.

“My symptoms have been exacerbated by the uncertainty and stress caused by the legal process and I am struggling with the fact that the process could go backwards and we could end up at trial again.”

In January, The Chronicle reported that the sentencing process had been delayed by months after the hearing had been postponed three times. Something here about countless delays and hearings have taken place all year. The application to change plea was made in April. Now, a hearing to determine whether Hickey can vacate his guilty pleas has been delayed four times. The next date set is September 25. If the bid to overturn the guilty plea is successful, a date for a new trial will have to be agreed.

“It simply isn’t good enough.” the woman continued.

“It takes so much courage for victims to report sexual abuse and speak about their experiences and the constant delays to the process are unbearable. I have lost any faith I had in the justice system to make victims feel like they have been heard and deliver the consequences for those who commit these horrific crimes.”

“The case now feels as if it is completely based on the needs of the perpetrator and completely disregards my needs as a vulnerable witness.”

On two occasions, the current hearing was cancelled due to the fact no judge was available, and it has been alleged no apology or support has been offered.

According to His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMTCS), a new judge from “outside the area” must hear the case due to the application to vacate the guilty pleas. In an email seen by The Chronicle, it was confirmed that logistical difficulties in arranging this is the reason for the repeated postponements.

“The case must now be heard by a different judge from outside the area,” it reads.

“In addition, the barristers involved in the original hearing will be required to give evidence before that judge. Arranging this hearing requires the availability of the judge, prosecution counsel, defence counsel and the relevant witnesses, which has unfortunately led to some delay.”

A complaint has been submitted to HMTCS regarding the delays. In November, it will be six years since the initial report was made to the police. The woman who reported Hickey states she has been told privately a new trial may not begin until 2028 if it is required.