Crime

UK minister says devolution of probation ‘not a priority’

Published

5 months ago

July 15, 2025

Welsh calls for justice powers dismissed amid system ‘crisis’

A UK GOVERNMENT minister has told a Senedd committee that devolving control of probation and youth justice to Wales is “not a priority” – prompting criticism from Welsh politicians.

Prisons Minister Lord Timpson appeared before the Senedd’s equality and social justice committee on Monday (Jul 14), where he said the criminal justice system in England and Wales was under “huge pressures” and needed stability before any further reforms could be considered.

The Welsh government has long called for justice powers – including control of probation and youth justice – to be devolved. However, Lord Timpson’s remarks appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of that happening any time soon.

His comments were described as “very disappointing” by committee chair Jenny Rathbone MS, who said ministers in Cardiff had already begun preparing for the devolution of these services in good faith.

Former Welsh counsel general Mick Antoniw MS said there was now “volumes of evidence” to support transferring powers to Wales, and accused the UK government of dragging its feet.

“What you seem to be suggesting is that we’re going to keep looking at the evidence without ever making a proper decision,” Mr Antoniw told the minister during questioning.

Former Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price also challenged Lord Timpson directly, asking whether the UK government had effectively ruled out full devolution of justice powers. The minister replied: “I’m not ruling anything out, I’m not ruling anything in,” adding that his focus was on “sorting out the crisis in our justice system.”

The Welsh Labour government’s 2024 manifesto included a pledge to explore devolving probation, with the aim of making services more responsive to local needs. Youth justice devolution was also said to be under consideration as part of a wider strategic review.

Criminal justice is one of the few major policy areas not devolved to the Welsh government under the current constitutional settlement. Reports including one led by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown have previously recommended devolving these powers.

But after Monday’s session, MSs on the committee said Lord Timpson’s comments appeared to significantly dial back any expectations of imminent change.

“This evidence seemed to pour cold water on the realistic prospect of devolution that the Welsh government has been working towards,” Ms Rathbone said.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.