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Crime

Ifan Charles confirmed as Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police

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POLICE and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dafydd Llywelyn has confirmed the appointment of Mr Ifan Charles as the new Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police with immediate effect, following a confirmation hearing by the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel.

The decision follows a robust appointment process where the Commissioner presented Ifan Charles as his preferred candidate.

Mr Ifan Charles joined Dyfed-Powys Police in 2004. During his career, he has held a variety of roles across CID and uniformed policing across the Force area, progressing through different ranks. These roles have seen leadership of firearms incidents and serious crime such as Murder, where supporting and working with victims has been central to his approach.

Mr Charles successfully completed the Senior Police National Assessment Centre and Strategic Command Course in 2022, followed by undertaking the role of Assistant Chief Constable. He was appointed Deputy Chief Constable in July 2024.

Following former Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis’ resignation earlier in 2025, Mr Charles has been acting up as Temporary Chief Constable, whilst PCC Dafydd Llywelyn and his Office undertook the recruitment and selection process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Llywelyn said: “ I am delighted that the Police and Crime Panel has endorsed my decision to appoint Mr Ifan Charles as Chief Constable. Mr Charles has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and a clear vision for the future of Dyfed-Powys Police. He has a deep understanding of the organisation and the communities we serve, and I have every confidence in his ability to lead the Force with integrity, compassion, and determination.

“As Commissioner, I look forward to continuing our close working relationship as we build on the strong foundations already in place. Together we will focus on delivering effective, visible policing, investing in prevention, and supporting the dedicated officers, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. “

Ifan Charles newly appointed Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Being the Chief Constable is about service and delivering today for communities of Dyfed-Powys but also creating and building a legacy of a safer, healthier, and thriving community in the future.  In creating this legacy, I will be authentic, visible, and engaging, focussed on thriving relationships with communities, partners, voluntary organisations, and our workforce to ensure that the public and victims remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Chair of the Panel Professor Ian Roffe said: “Following a successful confirmation hearing, the Police and Crime Panel warmly congratulates Ifan Charles on his appointment as Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police. As a local man who has risen to this role through an open and rigorous competition, his achievement is a source of pride for the area.

On behalf of the Panel, we thank you for your thoughtful answers, commend your outstanding service, and wish you every success as you take on this important role.”

Crime

Two Milford Haven men sent to Crown Court on GBH charges

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The incident stems from a violent incident outside The Vibe public house, Milford Haven involving three men – a woman was also wounded in the incident

TWO Milford Haven men have been sent to Swansea Crown Court charged with section 18 wounding after an alleged incident in the town on November 15.

David McCallum, 41, of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates court on Monday (Nov 17). He is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding a woman in Milford Haven with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

McCallum also faces a second section 18 charge alleging that, on the same date in Milford Haven, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded a man with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

He was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, with the prosecution conducted by Nia James.

On Tuesday (Nov 18), Nathan Abbott, 31, also of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, appeared before District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest magistrates court.

Abbott is charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding a man in Milford Haven on November 15 with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

He was represented by Mike Kelleher, of Welch & Co.

Abbott also gave no plea, and his case was likewise sent to Swansea Crown Court under section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Both McCallum and Abbott were remanded on conditional bail.

McCallum’s bail conditions include a curfew from 7:00pm to 7:00am, to be electronically monitored, not to contact directly or indirectly witnesses, and not to enter any public house, licensed club or off-licence.

Abbott’s bail conditions include living and sleeping each night at his home address , not to contact witnesses directly or indirectly, and not to enter licensed premises.

Both men must appear for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing at Swansea Crown Court on December 19, 2025, at 9:00am.

No pre-sentence reports were ordered and no indication was given regarding any victim personal statements at this stage.

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Crime

Aberystwyth man remanded after admitting cocaine supply

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Case sent to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing

AN ABERYSTWYTH man has been remanded in custody after admitting possessing cocaine with intent to supply and having £7,000 in criminal cash.

Luke Hutton, 25, of Corporation Street, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 17) for his first hearing. The case was heard by a bench of Mr J Steadman, Mrs M Scott and Mr R John. He was represented by Jessica Hill and Mike Kelleher, while the prosecution was led by Nia James.

Hutton pleaded guilty to two offences arising from a police incident at Yr Hafan, Princess Street, Aberystwyth, on November 14.

The first charge was possessing £7,000 in criminal property, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The second was possessing a quantity of cocaine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply.

Magistrates were told that Hutton indicated guilty pleas to both matters on the day of his appearance.

Because of the seriousness of the charges, the bench committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence under Section 14 of the Sentencing Act 2020. A pre-sentence report has been ordered.

Magistrates refused bail, citing the likelihood of further offending, the seriousness of the offences and the likely custodial sentence. Hutton was remanded into custody.

He will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on December 1, 2025, at 9:00am, for a committal for sentence hearing, listed for 30 minutes.

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Crime

Motorcyclist to return to court over Dinas Cross crash that seriously injured woman

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Case adjourned after part-heard trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court

A MAN accused of causing serious injury to a woman by careless driving on the A487 at Dinas Cross will return to court next month after his trial was adjourned part-heard.

Aleksandrs Lohins, 61, of Mayfield Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, is charged with causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, contrary to section 2C of the Road Traffic Act. The allegation relates to a collision on April 9, 2023, in which motorcyclist Anna Titorchuk suffered serious injuries.

Lohins is alleged to have been riding a Honda GL-1800 motorcycle, registration WJ05 MDE, without due care and attention when the incident occurred.

The trial began at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 17), with a bench comprising Mr J Steadman, Mrs M Scott and Mr R John. Lohins was represented by defence solicitor Mike Kelleher, while the prosecution was led by Nia James.

After hearing evidence, magistrates adjourned the case part-heard.

Lohins remains on unconditional bail.

The matter will resume at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 8, 2025, at 11:00am, in Courtroom 1. The hearing is listed for an estimated 20 minutes, and the defendant must attend.

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