SHADOW HEALTH SECRETARY Natasha Asghar MS has written to the Justice Secretary seeking assurances over the prison placement and official recording of convicted sex offender Paula Stanton.

Stanton, 62, was jailed after admitting an act outraging public decency at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where court proceedings heard NHS staff were forced to witness a sexual act while carrying out their duties.

The case has prompted renewed political scrutiny over how transgender offenders with histories of sexual offending are managed in custody, and how such offences are recorded in criminal justice statistics.

Ministry of Justice policy for England and Wales states that transgender women who retain male genitalia, or who have been convicted of sexual or violent offences, should not normally be held in the general women’s estate except in the most exceptional circumstances.

Ms Asghar said the immediate focus must be on the hospital staff affected.

She said: “This was a disgusting offence committed against NHS workers who were simply trying to do their jobs.

“NHS staff already face enormous pressure. They should not have to endure predatory or deeply distressing behaviour in their workplace, and they deserve proper protection and support.

“What makes this case even more concerning is Stanton’s significant history of sexual offending, including previous convictions for outraging public decency and indecent exposure.

“I have written to the Justice Secretary seeking assurances that Stanton is being held in a male prison, in line with Ministry of Justice policy on male-born sex offenders.

“I have also asked for confirmation that these offences will be recorded accurately in official crime and criminal justice statistics.

“The public are entitled to clear, accurate reporting of serious crimes. That is particularly important where offences involve male-pattern sexual offending.”

The case sits within a wider and often highly sensitive debate about the rights and safety of transgender prisoners, female prisoners, staff and victims.

Campaigners on one side argue that biological sex must be recorded clearly in cases involving sexual offending, particularly where victims are women or where offenders have male genitalia. Others stress that transgender prisoners can also be vulnerable in custody and must be treated lawfully, decently and safely.

Ms Asghar said her concern was not only about prison policy, but also about the working conditions of NHS staff.

She added: “Above all, my thoughts are with the NHS staff who were subjected to this appalling behaviour. They were the victims in this case and they deserve our full support.

“I have also raised the matter with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to seek assurances about the safety of NHS staff.”

TWELVE new vehicles have been bought by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to replace ageing fleet vehicles, including one said to be more than 17 years old.

The Authority confirmed the vehicles have been purchased outright, rather than leased, and funded through a Welsh Government capital grant.

The new fleet includes six hybrid Toyota Hilux vehicles for wardens and rangers, four electric pool cars for staff business travel, an electric minibus for volunteer groups and engagement work, and an electric van for Carew Castle.

The Authority said the vehicles were bought to replace older vehicles, not to expand the fleet.

A spokesperson said the organisation had been reducing its fleet over the past 12 months to save money and improve efficiency.

They added that the older leased vehicles were being returned at the end of their lease terms, while owned vehicles were either part-exchanged or sent to auction.

The Authority said electric, hybrid and lower-cost options were considered as part of the procurement process.

The procurement was carried out through a Welsh Government framework and Crown Commercial Services.

Asked how the purchase represented value for money during wider public sector financial pressures, the Authority said renewing existing leases would have cost nearly three times as much as the previous lease.

It also said the lower-emission vehicles would be cheaper to run, with electric vehicles able to be charged from Authority buildings.

The vehicles include six hybrid Toyota Hiluxes, four electric pool cars made by MG and Toyota, one Toyota electric minibus, and one Toyota electric van.

YOUNG people have helped bring new colour and creativity to Haverfordwest Railway Station as part of a wider project to improve one of the town’s key gateways.

A partnership involving local services, transport organisations and community groups has worked together to refurbish parts of the station and install new artwork, with a strong focus on youth engagement and creative participation.

The project involved South West Wales Connected, Pembrokeshire County Council Youth Justice, The Edge Youth Centre and Regeneration Teams, Kier, Transport for Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police, The VC Gallery, Haverfordwest Action Forum and local artists.

As part of the Welsh Government-funded Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange scheme, Kier carried out refurbishment works at the station, including cleaning and improvements to the waiting area and public facilities.

An unused building on Platform 2 was also cleaned and prepared for the display of artwork. The art installations were funded through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.

Young people supported through Pembrokeshire County Council services produced a series of artworks which are now on display in the station waiting area and on the Platform 2 building. Additional pieces created by local artists have also been installed.

The scheme is intended to create a more welcoming environment for passengers and visitors, while giving young people the chance to take part in meaningful creative activity.

The improvements form part of wider efforts to enhance key gateways into Haverfordwest, from the railway station to the new Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange, and support town centre regeneration.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “It’s great to see art and culture brought to people as opposed to them actively seeking it out and we have a great tradition in Pembrokeshire of young people producing public art in this form.

“The fact that this is a wide-ranging partnership of groups only adds to the value of the project. I hope people take an opportunity to have a look at what has been created.”

Ian Rees, Regional Director for Kier Construction Western and Wales, said: “We’re proud to have supported improvements at Haverfordwest Railway Station through our work on the wider public transport interchange project, and to be leaving such a positive legacy for the local community.

“It’s been fantastic to see so many stakeholders come together to support and celebrate the creative young people involved in this project, providing a more welcoming space for passengers and visitors.”

Philip Merchant, Project Manager for South West Wales Connected, said: “As South West Wales Connected, we took on this project as a response to community feedback that the station was not a welcoming place, in its environment and for passenger wellbeing.

“It was a challenge and an opportunity to take this on as a blank canvas and it was so enjoyable to work with many partners who all had the same vision and reasons to upgrade this important railway station.”

Nathaniel Owen, Senior Customer Operations Manager for Transport for Wales, said: “Transport for Wales are delighted to have worked closely with Pembrokeshire County Council, Kier Construction, South West Wales Connected and local artists and stakeholders to deliver some small but important improvements to the station environment at Haverfordwest.

“We hope customers will enjoy looking at the artwork done by local people for local people when they travel with us.”

The partners said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting young people, improving public spaces and making Haverfordwest railway station a more attractive and welcoming place for the wider community.