Crime

Pembrokeshire Youth Justice Team praised for ‘genuine care’

Published

1 year ago

March 17, 2025

THE PEMBROKESHIRE YOUTH JUSTICE TEAM has been rated ‘Good’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Inspectors highlighted the team’s commitment to supporting young people, despite ongoing challenges. The service was praised for its child-first and trauma-informed approach, with staff demonstrating ‘genuine care’ in achieving positive outcomes.

Challenges and successes

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, acknowledged the pressures faced by the team. He said: “Pembrokeshire YJT has experienced a challenging period of transition, which has placed increasing demands on practitioners and managers. Services are maintained by staff routinely going above and beyond to meet the needs of children, parents, carers, and victims.

“Despite these challenges, this is a forward-thinking and reflective service where staff show genuine care in achieving positive outcomes.”

Inspectors found strong engagement with children and their families, with plans co-produced to ensure meaningful involvement. Regular reviews and effective information sharing were also highlighted as key strengths.

However, concerns were raised over delays in out-of-court disposals, linked to the absence of a joint working protocol with Dyfed-Powys Police. Inconsistencies in the use of diversionary outcomes and deferred prosecutions were also noted. Inspectors recommended that a senior police representative be appointed to the YJT management board to help address these issues.

Recommendations for improvement

The inspection report sets out eight recommendations:

Four for the Pembrokeshire YJT, including ensuring managers have the capacity to provide consistent oversight of out-of-court work.
Two for the management board.
Two for Dyfed-Powys Police.

Mr Jones added: “Moving forward, the management board has a critical role in ensuring the YJT is sufficiently resourced so they can build on their existing strengths and make important improvements in service delivery.”

What happens next?

The Pembrokeshire YJT works with children aged 10 to 17, many of whom have complex needs or are in the care of the local authority. The full report will be published on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on March 11, 2025, at 00:01.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.