Crime

Volunteer Police Cadets support anti-social behaviour campaign

Published

1 year ago

March 14, 2025

TEENAGERS in Carmarthenshire have been stepping up to make a positive impact by volunteering their time to help tackle anti-social behaviour in their communities.

As part of Operation Ivydene, a campaign aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour across the force area, the Volunteer Police Cadets have been distributing leaflets in key hotspot areas in including in Carmarthen.

So far, nearly 2,000 leaflets have been delivered, encouraging residents to complete a short questionnaire and provide feedback to help officers better respond to community needs.

The cadets have clocked up nearly 100 hours of volunteering between them and a further leaflet drop with take place in Ammanford over the next few weeks.

The Police Cadet scheme is a nationally recognised free program that gives young people aged between 13 and 17-years-old the opportunity to make friends, develop leadership skills, engage with the police and contribute positively in the community. They take part in a two-hour weekly structured programme at various locations across the force and help to enhance the relationship between the public and police.

Rhian Curtis, Force Volunteer Police Cadet Officer, said: “Very often teenagers are unfairly labelled as being the cause of anti-social behaviour, but our cadets are proving that young people can be part of the solution. They are committed, enthusiastic and eager to make a difference in their local areas.

“Part of the aim of the cadets is to support local policing policies through volunteering and Operation Ivydene falls within this remit.

“We encourage residents to fill in the survey, which will not only provide feedback to the police but also show the cadets how beneficial their hard work has been.

“By taking proactive steps to support crime prevention and community engagement, the cadets are demonstrating that young people can play a crucial role in fostering safer neighbourhoods.”

Dyfed-Powys Police is always recruiting for new Volunteer Police Cadets across the force.

For more information how to get involved and make a difference visit Volunteer Police Cadets | Dyfed-Powys Police

Crime

Trial by jury protest planned outside Cardiff Crown Court

Published

14 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners say the proposed reforms would weaken one of the public’s oldest legal protections

CAMPAIGNERS will demonstrate outside Cardiff Crown Court on Monday (May 18) in protest against government proposals which they say would severely restrict the right to trial by jury.

Local activist Roz Royson said she will join other campaigners outside the court between 11:00am and 4:00pm, handing out leaflets and speaking to members of the public.

The protest forms part of a wider national day of action organised by the Jury Alliance, with demonstrations planned outside around 30 crown courts across England and Wales.

Campaigners argue that trial by jury is a fundamental safeguard in the justice system and should not be removed or heavily restricted.

Ms Royson said: “This government’s current plan to get rid of trial by jury is relevant to every person affected by the rule of law here in the UK.

“There was an overwhelmingly positive response outside the court last time we were there. People in the street, when they learn about the plan, are outraged that the government intends to almost entirely do away with jury trials.”

The campaigners say they hope to raise public awareness and build opposition to the proposals, which they believe are “passing all too easily” without enough scrutiny.

The demonstration will take place outside Cardiff Crown Court tomorrow.

Crime

Man used vulnerable victim’s bank card at Milford Haven Tesco

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been given a suspended prison sentence after using a vulnerable man’s bank card at Tesco Extra in Milford Haven.

Mark Anthony Hambrook, of Keeston, admitted fraud by false representation when he appeared before magistrates.

The court heard that Hambrook dishonestly used the card on April 29, 2025, spending £220.

Magistrates said the offence crossed the custody threshold because it involved a breach of trust, a vulnerable victim, and was committed while Hambrook was on post-sentence supervision.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Hambrook was also ordered to pay £220 compensation, together with a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Cilgerran man denies breaching court ban on keeping animals

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2026

Court Reporter

39-year-old accused of keeping a dog despite court-imposed disqualification order dating back to 2019

A CILGERRAN man has denied breaching a court-imposed ban on keeping animals.

Max Huntley, 39, of Castell Corwg, Cilgerran, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 14) for a further case management hearing.

He is accused of breaching a disqualification order imposed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The court register states that Huntley was disqualified following conviction and sentence at Swansea Crown Court on March 14, 2019, for an offence under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.

The allegation now before the court is that, on or about August 10, 2025, at Castell Corwg, Cilgerran, he breached that disqualification by having custody of a dog.

Huntley has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The case was adjourned to allow the prosecution to confirm details relating to the defendant and how a solicitor could contact him.

He was remanded on unconditional bail and must attend the next hearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 27, at 10:00am.

The hearing is listed for further case management and is expected to last around 20 minutes.