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Crime

Review of CCRC closed cases moves into second phase  

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A PROJECT by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) looking at previously closed cases where advances in forensic science could now provide new evidence about the identity of an offender has moved into its second phase.  

The CCRC announced in April this year that it was analysing closed cases involving rape or murder from before 1 January 2016, to see where advances in forensic technology might reveal important new opportunities. 

The Ministry of Justice has since provided extra funding of £250,000 to allow the CCRC to recruit staff to work on the project. This recruitment process is ongoing, with new staff expected to start early next year.  

In the first phase of the project 5,500 relevant cases were identified in which applications to the CCRC had been turned down. Not all these cases raised a dispute about the identity of the offender.  

This phase is now largely complete, and 1,247 cases have so far moved through to the second phase. There are around 300 cases which require further information to carry out the phase one assessment. 

Phase two work is being completed by investigators who aim to identify cases where there are fresh forensic opportunities which could impact the safety of a conviction. This could involve cases where DNA technology has advanced since the individual was convicted, and forensic opportunities could now potentially exclude that person as the offender. 

Since first announcing this project, phase two has expanded to involve more investigative work at this stage, before moving to phase three. This could potentially involve a level of forensic testing or establishing what materials are available. Cases will move to phase three if important new evidence is found. 

Currently there are no cases that have moved through to phase three. This phase will re-open the case, and a Case Review Manager will move the process forward preparing for a potential referral to an appellate court.  

The identities of those involved in these cases will not be disclosed.  

A CCRC spokesperson said: “This is a huge task which requires substantial resources, but we have made significant progress since first announcing that the project was underway. 

“The next stages could take a considerable time; we do have a dedicated team working on it, and this is expanding, but we must balance this work with our important existing case reviews. 

“We are pleased that we have been provided with funding to recruit extra staff to support this project, and this will help the project progress more efficiently.” 

Crime

Youths failed to stop, then crashed into Milford Haven home

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POLICE in Milford Haven have arrested two male youths following a fail-to-stop incident that ended with their car crashing into a residential property on Hamilton Terrace.

The incident occurred at 10:50pm on Friday (Dec 27). According to officers, a black Mercedes failed to stop on North Road before speeding along The Rath and turning back onto Hamilton Terrace. As the car continued down the road, it was met by a second police vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

In an attempt to avoid the oncoming police car and another pursuing from behind, the vehicle tried to drive up Francis Street against the one-way system. However, it failed to make the turn and crashed into a residential property.

The occupants then fled on foot, with one officer pursuing on foot and another driving against the one-way system towards The Trafalgar Public House.

The property sustained damage to a wall, and the vehicle was left undrivable and is now being recovered. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.

The police were seen searching the crashed vehicle, and took several paper bags full of potential evidence from the scene.

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Crime

Motorist, 27, bailed after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run collision

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OFFICERS are continuing to investigate a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Llanpumsaint on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision. He has since been released on bail with conditions while serious collision investigation and CSI teams continue their enquiries.

The collision happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police believe the vehicle involved was travelling northbound through the village at the time.

Specially trained officers continue to support Aaron’s family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing, and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have dashcam footage, CCTV, or doorbell camera recordings from the area around the time of the collision to come forward.”

The road has since reopened, but police presence in the area remains while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police using the details provided in the comments.

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Crime

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

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A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

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