A HAVERFORDWEST man has been remanded in custody after appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 10) facing multiple charges, including assault, intentional strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour.

Kieran Vaughan, 37, of Caradoc Place, is accused of assaulting a woman, causing actual bodily harm, on March 8 in Haverfordwest. He also faces charges of intentional strangulation under the Serious Crime Act 2015, alleged to have taken place on February 8 and February 22. Additionally, Vaughan is charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 1, 2023, and March 9, 2025, allegedly restricting the victim’s social life, controlling money and property, and making threats.

A further charge relates to Vaughan allegedly sending a communication on March 8 that conveyed a threat of death, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.

Vaughan appeared before magistrates Mrs C Kendrick, Mrs A Taylor-Jones, and Mr D Ellis. Represented by Alaw Harries for the defence, with Sian Vaughan prosecuting, he did not enter pleas.

Magistrates determined that the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and sent Vaughan to Swansea Crown Court for trial. He was remanded in custody due to concerns he may commit further offences or interfere with witnesses.

The case will be heard at Swansea Crown Court on April 11 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The custody time limit expires on September 8, 2025.

THE PEMBROKESHIRE YOUTH JUSTICE TEAM has been rated ‘Good’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Inspectors highlighted the team’s commitment to supporting young people, despite ongoing challenges. The service was praised for its child-first and trauma-informed approach, with staff demonstrating ‘genuine care’ in achieving positive outcomes.

Challenges and successes

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, acknowledged the pressures faced by the team. He said: “Pembrokeshire YJT has experienced a challenging period of transition, which has placed increasing demands on practitioners and managers. Services are maintained by staff routinely going above and beyond to meet the needs of children, parents, carers, and victims.

“Despite these challenges, this is a forward-thinking and reflective service where staff show genuine care in achieving positive outcomes.”

Inspectors found strong engagement with children and their families, with plans co-produced to ensure meaningful involvement. Regular reviews and effective information sharing were also highlighted as key strengths.

However, concerns were raised over delays in out-of-court disposals, linked to the absence of a joint working protocol with Dyfed-Powys Police. Inconsistencies in the use of diversionary outcomes and deferred prosecutions were also noted. Inspectors recommended that a senior police representative be appointed to the YJT management board to help address these issues.

Recommendations for improvement

The inspection report sets out eight recommendations:

• Four for the Pembrokeshire YJT, including ensuring managers have the capacity to provide consistent oversight of out-of-court work.
• Two for the management board.
• Two for Dyfed-Powys Police.

Mr Jones added: “Moving forward, the management board has a critical role in ensuring the YJT is sufficiently resourced so they can build on their existing strengths and make important improvements in service delivery.”

What happens next?

The Pembrokeshire YJT works with children aged 10 to 17, many of whom have complex needs or are in the care of the local authority. The full report will be published on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on March 11, 2025, at 00:01.

A DRUG dealer has been jailed after admitting to supplying cocaine, pregabalin, and diazepam.

Phillip Greenfield, 46, of Queen Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared before Swansea Crown Court charged with multiple drug offences.

The court heard that Greenfield was concerned in the supply of cocaine between February 26 and March 26 last year. He also faced two charges of possession with intent to supply Class C drugs—diazepam and pregabalin—on March 25.

Greenfield was further charged with possessing criminal property, namely £1,250 in cash, on the same date. He had previously admitted possession of cannabis at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 17.

At a hearing in January, Greenfield pleaded guilty to all four offences. His defence stated that he had no previous convictions for drug dealing.

He was sentenced to three years in prison.

Greenfield will return to court on June 23 for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, where an application has been made to recover any profits from his offending.