Crime

Carmarthenshire man jailed for raping woman in her own home

Published

10 months ago

February 28, 2025

CARMARTHENSHIRE man Robert Smith, 26, of Penygarn Road, Ammanford, admitted to committing rape when he appeared at Swansea Crown Cour earlier this week.

On Friday (Feb 28) he was sentenced to five years and four months in prison for the offence.

At his sentencing today, the court heard how Smith entered the victim’s home and raped her while she slept in her bed on the evening on Tuesday 2 July, 2024.

The court was told how the defendant entered the woman’s home under the guise of performing a “welfare check” and took advantage of her while she slept.

Prior to the that evening, Smith and the victim were not acquainted with one another other. It was purely coincidental that they had met earlier that evening as they both happened to be at a mutual friends’ address where alcohol was consumed.

The victim asserted that Smith would not have had any reason to enter her address later that evening to perform a ‘welfare check’.

On the morning of Wednesday 3 July 2024, the victim awoke with no recollection of the night before but believed she had been the victim of a serious sexual offence after waking up undressed and in pain.

The victim then contacted police to make an official report.

In a statement, the victim reported feeling “physically dirty and disgusting in the aftermath of the assault”, explaining how it was almost impossible to put into words how the incident had affected her.

The victim stated that she felt she had been treated like an animal, describing the attack as “inhumane” and a violation of her right to make a choice.

The court heard how the woman’s “life had been turned upside down” after being raped in her own home and subsequently moved away from the area out of fear for her personal safety.

Not only has the victim had to front the financial cost and emotional turmoil of moving away from a home she once adored, she has also had to deal with the psychological impact of the rape since the incident last summer.

The victim explained how she now struggles with her short-term memory and described feeling exhausted, vulnerable, and lost.

Summarising the lasting impact of the rape, the victim told the court: “I will never escape what that man did to me”.

Following today’s sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock told The Herald: “I want to commend the victim’s bravery in coming forward and reporting what can only be described as a hideous, predatory, and selfish crime. A person’s home should always be considered a place of safety and sanctuary, but Robert Smith’s actions in July last year destroyed the victim’s ability to live peacefully in her home. The impact of his offending cannot be underestimated.

“This case has been proven by the strength of the DNA evidence leaving Smith with very little option but to admit his guilt in court. Despite the victim having no recollection of events, the DNA evidence has spoken on her behalf”.

“While no sentence can ever undo Robert Smith’s heinous act, I hope that today’s outcome provides the victim with some form of solace as she starts to rebuild her life.

“I’d like to encourage anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault to come forward and report these offences. I hope that today’s conviction shows that our specialist trained officers will act with compassion, explore all reasonable lines of enquiry, and ensure that victims of sexual offences within our communities are provided with expert support. We will work relentlessly in the pursuit of such offenders and do everything we can to bring them to justice.”

The victim wished to pass on her thanks to the officers involved in the investigation who have supported her through the entire investigative process and kept her updated with developments in the case. In addition, she wished to pass on her thanks to her independent sexual violence advisor (ISVA) who has provided practical and emotional support throughout the process.

The victim also stressed that she hopes that the public do not speculate on the case on social media, adding “I am not the only victim in this case”, referring to the impact on the defendant’s family. She stated that she feels a great deal of sympathy for Robert Smith’s wider family who will all be deeply affected by his prison sentence and wanted to stress that she hopes his family are not the target for any online abuse. The victim wished to make it clear that targeting Robert Smith’s family in any way would be unfair and added that “they are not responsible for his actions”.

Crime

Ex-Gwent police officer now living in Pembrokeshire cleared of corruption

Published

3 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Court Reporter

A FORMER police officer from Pembrokeshire has been found not guilty of corruption following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

Luke Silver, aged 34, formerly of Gwent Police, had denied three charges relating to the improper use of police power or privilege. The allegations centred on claims that he made sexually inappropriate and unwanted comments to two women he encountered while on duty.

Jurors heard that one allegation involved remarks allegedly made to a woman during a police interview, while other claims related to similar conduct during separate encounters. Mr Silver denied all wrongdoing throughout the proceedings.

After hearing the evidence, a jury acquitted him of all charges.

Despite the verdict, Gwent Police confirmed that Mr Silver is no longer a serving officer. The force said he was dismissed in April following an accelerated misconduct hearing that dealt with matters separate from the criminal case.

Reporting restrictions had previously been imposed on the misconduct proceedings to prevent any potential prejudice to the criminal trial. Those restrictions were lifted following the conclusion of the court case.

The misconduct panel found that Mr Silver had breached standards of professional behaviour on two occasions, relating to honesty and integrity, and conduct likely to bring discredit on the police service.

As a result, he has been placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing him from working for any police force in the future.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick McLain said Mr Silver was no longer employed by Gwent Police and stressed the force’s commitment to maintaining public trust.

He said the public rightly expects officers to uphold the highest standards of behaviour, adding that the force would continue to act decisively where conduct falls short.

Crime

Woman jailed for stealing £245,000 from Pembrokeshire charity

Published

6 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Court Reporter

Trustee abused position of trust, leaving organisation facing closures, job losses and tax debt

A WOMAN who abused her position at a Pembrokeshire-based charity to steal almost a quarter of a million pounds has been jailed for four years.

Liza Haines, 54, defrauded Sazani Associates, a not-for-profit organisation based in Pembroke, of £245,410.63 over a five-year period.

The charity delivers education and sustainable development programmes in Europe and Africa, working with communities in poorer regions.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Haines was both a trustee and operations manager at the organisation, placing her in a senior and trusted role with extensive financial responsibilities.

Emily Bennett, prosecuting, told the court that Haines was responsible for payroll, pensions and VAT returns, giving her direct access to the charity’s bank accounts.

Between 2018 and 2023, she systematically diverted funds for her own use.

When the fraud was uncovered, the charity’s accounts were found to be empty, leaving it unable to pay staff. Directors were forced to take out personal loans to cover wages.

The court heard that the financial damage caused by Haines’ actions led to job losses, the closure of offices in Carmarthen and Zanzibar, and the cancellation of several projects. The organisation was also left owing £93,000 to HM Revenue and Customs.

Dr Ian Clegg, a retired university lecturer and director of Sazani Associates, read a victim impact statement to the court.

He said the directors had been left “shocked and bewildered” by the betrayal, adding that Haines had been trusted to play an important role within the organisation.

Dr Clegg told the court that the directors had received threatening letters from creditors, causing serious professional and personal distress.

“This was a calculated deception,” he said, adding that the situation had taken both a physical and mental toll on those involved in running the charity.

Haines, of Clos Cilsaig, Dafen, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to fraud.

The court heard that she has a previous conviction for theft by employee dating back to 2007, when she stole around £7,000 while working as an administrator at St Mark’s Court Care Home in Swansea. She was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for eighteen months.

That conviction was not disclosed when she applied for her role at Sazani Associates.

Dyfed Llion Thomas, representing Haines, said her guilty plea amounted to significant mitigation and told the court she had shown genuine remorse. The court was also told that she has an elderly mother.

Sentencing her, Judge Paul Hobson said she had been fully aware of the risks of her actions but had ignored them out of greed.

“This organisation was a labour of love for those who built it,” he said.

He added: “Your work life was a sham. You knew the financial harm you were causing. The consequences of what you did have been devastating. You are an habitually dishonest individual.”

Haines was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

A proceeds of crime hearing is due to take place on April 23 next year.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi