A 45-YEAR-OLD father from Whitland has been found not guilty of child cruelty following a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to discontinue the case.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his children, had been charged with assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, or abandoning a child in a way that could cause unnecessary suffering or injury. He had denied the allegations and was set to stand trial on June 16.

The case was reviewed at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday (Mar 5), where prosecutor Dean Pulling confirmed that the CPS had decided not to proceed with a criminal trial. He explained that subjecting the children to the process was not deemed to be in the public interest.

“The matter will be addressed in the family court,” Mr Pulling stated, adding that the decision did not diminish the statements provided by the children.

With no evidence presented by the prosecution, Judge Catherine Richards formally recorded a not guilty verdict. She noted that the CPS had carefully considered its decision, clarifying that while the criminal case had concluded, it had no impact on the separate family court proceedings.

A DRUG dealer attempted to conceal nearly 50 grams of cocaine under the seat of a police car after being arrested.

Swansea Crown Court heard that officers stopped a Seat Leon in the St Clears area on February 1 following intelligence reports.

Shaun Clawson, a passenger in the vehicle, was found with a phone on the seat beside him. A cling film wrap and a spoon containing traces of white powder were also discovered in the passenger footwell.

Clawson was arrested, but when officers later removed him from the police car, they found another cling film wrap stashed under the seat.

Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini said: “His reply to caution was that it was nothing to do with him.”

The wrap was later tested and found to contain almost fifty grams of cocaine, estimated to be worth up to £2,7700.

In a police interview, Clawson denied being a drug dealer, claiming he could not afford such a quantity. However, he later admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine.

The court heard that Clawson, 39, of Nantucket Avenue, Milford Haven, had 19 previous convictions for 37 offences, including previous drug dealing offences.

Defence solicitor Stuart John said Clawson accepted he was subject to the mandatory minimum sentence but claimed he was working to turn his life around. He told the court Clawson was making positive use of his time in custody, working towards a degree and assisting other prisoners.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told Clawson: “This is the fourth time you have been convicted of selling Class A drugs. I’m told you want to turn your life around. I hope you are genuine about it, otherwise, your life will be spent in prison.”

Clawson was sentenced to six years in prison.

Ms Carpanini confirmed that no application would be made under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A FORMER Dyfed-Powys Police CCTV operator appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (March 5) charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as offences under the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act.

Russell Hasler, who was arrested in 2023 by the force’s Professional Standards Department, had worked as a CCTV operator since 2019. He resigned while under investigation for alleged offences committed between 2020 and 2022.

Following today’s hearing, Hasler was bailed to appear at Swansea Crown Court on April 4, 2025.