A WOMAN has been sentenced for stealing groceries and vodka worth nearly £400 from Morrisons in Haverfordwest.

Shannon Charge, 29, of Pater Court, Pembroke Dock, was caught pushing a trolley full of stolen items out of the store on May 16.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James said: “A number of bottles of vodka were in the front of the trolley, and the alarm tags were still attached.”

Charge pleaded guilty to theft and was fined £120. She must also pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge.

A DRUNKEN passenger who refused to pay a £3.80 train fare verbally abused and threatened a train conductor.

Malcolm Edwards, 55, of Parc Graig, Aberystwyth, pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour with intent to cause harassment.

Edwards was travelling on the Holyhead to Chester train when the conductor discovered his ticket was invalid. He refused to leave the train, insulted the conductor, and raised his hands aggressively.

“I do not come to work to be treated like this,” said the conductor, describing the abuse as distressing and belittling.

Edwards was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 court surcharge.

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!