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Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police officers share what it’s like to work on Christmas Day

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TUCKING into turkey, enjoying a festive tipple, and spending precious time with family and friends is a Christmas routine familiar to many. But for some, Christmas Day looks very different as they don helmets, radios, or headsets to keep communities safe.

Here are three Dyfed-Powys Police officers and staff who will be on duty this festive season.

Dog handler PC Hannah Jones

PC Hannah Jones, based in Carmarthenshire, will spend her first Christmas as a dog handler alongside her three-year-old police dog, Rogue.

Hannah, who has worked in the force for six years, previously spent Christmas on response duties in Llanelli. This year, she will work a 7:00am to 2:00pm shift.

She said: “I don’t mind working Christmas; there’s always good team spirit. I don’t have children, so if I can help others, I will. When I was in Llanelli, our sergeant brought us bacon sandwiches, and everyone brought in festive treats.”

Hannah explained that her shift will start at home with Rogue: “She’ll have a few extra treats – not too many in case she’s needed. The last thing we want is a sluggish dog!”

Reflecting on her work, she added: “You never know what Christmas Day will bring, from attending to vulnerable or missing people to domestics. It’s rewarding to know you can make a difference, especially if it’s someone’s worst Christmas.”

Inspector Geraint Griffith

Inspector Geraint Griffith, Force Incident Manager (FIM), will spend his last Christmas on duty before retiring in the new year – and celebrating his 54th birthday. He will coordinate incidents from the Force Communications Centre (FCC) during a 6:00pm to 6:00am shift.

This year is special, as he will work alongside his daughter Seren, who recently joined the team as a call handler.

He said: “I volunteered to work this year because Seren will be on her first Christmas shift. I’ll be bringing in her dinner – that’s my main role!”

Reflecting on his career, Geraint added: “I’ve worked more Christmases than I can remember. The incidents are often domestic abuse or violence, mainly fuelled by alcohol or family tensions. It can go from steady to busy very quickly.”

Despite the challenges, he noted the camaraderie: “Even on my 50th birthday, the team brought in a cake and banners. There’s always a good atmosphere.”

He concluded: “I’ve been lucky to see my children on Christmas Day over the years. Hopefully, my last shift will be a relatively calm one.”

Roads Policing Officer PC Gareth Evans

PC Gareth Evans, based in Brecon, will work a 7:00am to 4:00pm shift on Christmas Day, as he has done for many years.

He said: “Mornings are my preferred shift because I can still enjoy the rest of the festivities with family afterwards. I don’t have children, so I’m always happy to help those who do.”

Describing the day, he added: “The shift can range from being completely quiet to very busy. Road traffic collisions and domestic abuse tend to be the main incidents.”

Gareth noted the efforts to keep spirits high: “There’s usually a festive atmosphere, with teams cooking breakfast together or bringing in party food. We all make the most of it.”

After his shift, Gareth will join his wife and in-laws for a Christmas meal: “Working means I cut down on the calorie intake, so that’s a bonus!

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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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.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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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.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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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.

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