Crime

Volunteers sought for independent custody visits in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2024

THE OFFICE of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys is reaching out to the community in search of volunteers to join the Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) scheme in Pembrokeshire. This initiative is crucial for ensuring the welfare and rights of detainees within police custody.

Independent Custody Visitors are tasked with making unannounced visits to local police stations, at any hour of the day or night, to assess the conditions and treatment of detainees. These volunteers, working in pairs, play a pivotal role in providing an independent check on the wellbeing of those in custody, highlighting any issues directly to police inspectors and the Commissioner.

The ICV scheme, supported and represented by the national organization ICVA (Independent Custody Visiting Association), has been recognized for its excellence. Recently, the Dyfed-Powys scheme was awarded the prestigious Gold standard at the ICVA Quality Assurance Awards, signifying its commitment to high standards of visitation and volunteer management. This accolade was celebrated at a ceremony in Birmingham, marking the scheme’s significant impact since its establishment in 2001. Over the years, thousands of visits have been made, ensuring the safety and transparency of the detention process.

Sarah Francis from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office emphasised the importance of the ICV scheme in promoting detainee welfare and operational transparency. She also extended an invitation to potential volunteers in the Haverfordwest area, highlighting the opportunity to contribute to this vital community service.

For those interested in learning more about the role and impact of Independent Custody Visitors, a YouTube video featuring current volunteers is available. It offers insights into the importance of their work and the difference they make in safeguarding detainee rights.

This call to action is not only an opportunity to contribute to the community but also a chance to be part of a nationally recognized scheme that upholds the highest standards of custody visiting and volunteer management. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office is keen to welcome new volunteers to their team, encouraging anyone interested to reach out and make a difference in Pembrokeshire.

For further information or to express interest in joining the scheme, individuals are encouraged to contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys. This initiative represents a unique opportunity to ensure the safety and fairness of the detention process, reflecting the community’s commitment to justice and transparency.

Crime

Milford Haven man admits assault and harassment charges

Published

4 days ago

May 21, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN has admitted assaulting a family member and harassing another relative following incidents in the town last year.

Wayne Whatling, 39, of Howarth Close, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 21).

Whatling changed his pleas to guilty to one charge of assault by beating and one charge of harassment without violence.

The assault charge relates to an incident in Milford Haven on September 13, 2025, when Whatling assaulted Ben Whatling by beating him.

He also admitted pursuing a course of conduct amounting to harassment against Carol Whatling between September 1 and September 13, 2025.

The court heard the harassment allegation involved repeatedly asking Carol Whatling for money, with the complainant said to have feared repercussions if she did not provide it.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Whatling was remanded on conditional bail and ordered not to contact Carol or Ben Whatling directly or indirectly.

He is due to be sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (June 9).

Crime

Milford Haven man admits affray after alleged pub incident

Published

4 days ago

May 21, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted affray following an incident at a town centre pub.

Stephen Collier, 38, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 21).

Collier has pleaded guilty to affray, relating to an incident at Nos Da, Victoria Road, Milford Haven, on December 3, 2025.

The charge states that he used unlawful violence towards John Dean Hilton and that his conduct was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their personal safety.

Collier also faces a separate charge of burglary dwelling with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. It is alleged that, on the same date, he entered a flat at Nos Da as a trespasser and inflicted grievous bodily harm on Mr Hilton. He denies that charge.

The court also dealt with a breach of bail allegation after Collier was arrested on May 20 for allegedly breaching a curfew condition. He admitted the breach.

Magistrates re-admitted him to conditional bail.

His bail conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 9:00pm and 6:00am, residence at his Vaynor Road address, and exclusions from Mount Estate, Milford Haven town centre, and Nos Da.

He must also not contact prosecution witnesses, including Molly Martin, Jack Martin, Lily Rose Martin and John Hilton.

Collier is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, June 5, for sentence.

A spokesperson for Nos Da said the incident was connected with rooms upstairs at the Victoria Road premises, and did not take place in the bar itself, in the licensed area.