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.

FOUR people tragically lost their lives during a paddleboarding tour on the River Cleddau in October 2021, including Nicola Wheatley, 40, Morgan Rogers, 24, Paul O’Dwyer, 42, and Andrea Powell, 41.

The owner of the paddleboard company, Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, from Port Talbot, has pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter at Swansea Crown Court. The victims were part of a tour operated by Lloyd’s now-dissolved company, Salty Dog. Lloyd also admitted to one offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The incident occurred on October 30, 2021, despite severe weather warnings and heavy flooding in the area. The river was flowing fast, and the weir was in an extremely hazardous condition, leading to the tragic deaths of the four participants. Three of them became trapped after being pulled over the top of the Haverfordwest Town Weir.

O’Dwyer, who was an instructor on the tour, initially exited the river safely but re-entered in an attempt to rescue the others. All four victims drowned.

Lloyd, a former police officer, was not qualified to lead paddleboarding tours in such dangerous conditions. The prosecution revealed that her planning and supervision were severely inadequate, and there were no proper safety briefings or risk assessments conducted. Participants were unaware that they would be crossing the weir, and no alternatives for exiting the water were provided.

Lisa Rose, a specialist prosecutor from the CPS, described the incident as “an avoidable tragedy.” She explained, “Despite checking the river’s state before the tour, Nerys Lloyd failed to inspect the weir, where the majority of participants had limited experience.”

Lloyd’s decision to proceed with the tour despite the dangers ultimately led to the deaths. She will remain on bail until her sentencing in April.

This case followed a joint investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A COURT has heard how a woman was made to feel anxious and fearful for her safety after her postal address was published by her former partner in a TikTok video.

Daniel Brooks, 42, texted the woman on August 8, 2024, and the following day posted her full address on TikTok. On August 12, he made further contact with her despite her decision to sever their relationship and sent her two unwanted voice notes.

This week, Brooks, of Sycamore House, South Parade, Tenby, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates, where he pleaded guilty to harassment without violence.

Brooks was sentenced to a community order during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. A 12-month restraining order was imposed, preventing him from having any contact with the victim or making any references to her on social media. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.