News
Welsh Government commissions study into barriers to democracy
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has commissioned new research into the barriers that prevent people in Wales from participating fully in democratic life.
The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, said the study would help to identify socio-economic factors that discourage individuals from voting or standing for election—particularly those from marginalised or disadvantaged backgrounds.
The research, which will be carried out by Alma Economics, will explore how financial pressures, limited access to political knowledge, discrimination, and societal attitudes may act as obstacles to democratic engagement.
Ms Bryant said: “We are taking steps to ensure that everyone in Wales, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to take part in our democracy—whether through voting or by standing for office.”
In recent years, the Welsh Government has introduced a number of reforms aimed at widening participation in politics. These include lowering the voting age to sixteen and making it a legal requirement to provide financial support for disabled candidates facing additional costs when standing for election.
Earlier this week, new Diversity and Inclusion Guidance was also published to support political parties in encouraging a broader range of candidates to stand in the 2026 Senedd elections. The guidance urges parties to create diversity strategies at least six months before the election and to publish anonymised diversity data on their candidates afterward.
The Cabinet Secretary said the new research would strengthen that work by shedding light on the specific challenges people face when engaging with Welsh democracy.
“This work will help us understand how socio-economic factors influence whether someone feels able to get involved,” she said. “It is about ensuring that our democratic institutions are open, inclusive, and truly representative of the people they serve.”
Ms Bryant encouraged people from all backgrounds—including members of the public, elected officials, and organisations in the third sector—to contribute to the study.
“Many Members share my commitment to making democracy accessible for everyone. I encourage those with views and experiences to share to get in touch with the researchers directly.”
Those interested in taking part in the research can contact Eleni Kotsira at Alma Economics via email: [email protected].
The findings are expected to be published later this year.
Contact details for press inquiries:
Georgina Windsor, Senior Press Officer
[email protected]
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.
Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.
The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
- Common assault
- Assault by beating
No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.
Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.
David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second count of assault
- Criminal damage
- An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
- A public order offence
Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.
Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.
During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.
Charges Include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Common assault on a woman
- Criminal damage in a domestic context
- Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
- Breach of bail conditions
Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.
Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.
No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.
-
Crime6 days agoPhillips found guilty of raping baby in “worst case” judge has ever dealt with
-
Crime4 days agoKilgetty scaffolder sentenced after driving with cocaine and in system
-
Crime5 days agoHousing site director sentenced after failing to provide breath sample following crash
-
Crime4 days agoMotorist banned for three years after driving with cannabis in system
-
Education4 days agoTeaching assistant struck off after asking pupil for photos of her body
-
Crime1 day agoMan spared jail after baseball bat incident in Milford Haven
-
News7 days agoJury retires tomorrow in harrowing Baby C rape trial
-
Crime5 days agoMilford Haven pensioner denies exposure charges






