EIGHT candidates have thrown their hats in to the ring following the resignation of convicted child rapist Dai Boswell from the Pembroke St Mary North county council seat.

The by-election itself will take place on September 13.

Former Pembroke mayor David ‘Dai’ Boswell resigned from both the town council and the county council on August 1.

Boswell, known as Dai, was jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of raping one girl and indecently assaulting another when they were both aged under 10.

Boswell, who stepped aside as Mayor after being arrested but remained a member of Pembrokeshire County Council, was told he would be on licence and at risk of being recalled to jail until 2038 irrespective of when he was released.

Boswell, aged 58, of Bush Street in Pembroke Dock, had denied all the charges.

The eight hopefuls contesting the seat include some old faces in the Pembroke political arena, and some new blood.

Those standing are: Bob Boucher, Independent, of Golden Hill Road; Maureen Bowen, Welsh Labour, of St Teilos Road; Daphne Bush, of Golden Brake; Natalie Carey, Welsh Conservative, of Castle Terrace; Lyn Edwards, of Riverside close; Jon Harvey, Independent, of Lower Lamphey Road; Jon Nutting, Independent, of Main Street; and A I Williams, Independent, of Golden Hill.

More to follow....