Crime

Police chief accused of creating ‘boys’ club’ and giving women car nicknames

Published

9 months ago

March 25, 2025

A SENIOR Dyfed-Powys Police officer is facing a misconduct hearing over claims he created a sexist workplace culture, gave female colleagues nicknames such as Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and Porsche, and touched women inappropriately at a Christmas party.

Superintendent Gary Davies, who denies the allegations, is accused of behaviour spanning from 2017 to 2021. It is claimed he commented on the appearance and sexuality of women, excluded them from workplace discussions, and helped foster what colleagues described as a “boys’ club” environment.

The hearing, held at force headquarters in Llangunnor, Carmarthenshire, was told by one complainant that Supt Davies put his hands around her waist and pulled her back towards him during a December 2017 Christmas party — an action she said made her feel uncomfortable.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said Supt Davies had a flirtatious manner and that in the office he was nicknamed “the octopus” because of his tendency to be “tactile”.

Another witness, now retired from the force, said a group of male officers regularly excluded female staff, referring to themselves as a “boys’ club”. She alleged Supt Davies was at the centre of this culture and even set up a male-only WhatsApp group where work matters were discussed.

It was also claimed an email was sent instructing female staff to address him as “sir” — even those of higher rank — which one former employee said she initially believed was a joke.

Supt Davies, through his legal representative Gerard Boyle KC, has apologised for any upset caused but denies acting in a discriminatory way or that his conduct amounts to gross misconduct. He also rejects claims that he deliberately fostered a sexist culture.

If proven, the allegations would amount to a serious breach of professional standards. The hearing is continuing.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.