Crime
Week of action launched to tackle knife crime across Wales

POLICE forces across Wales have launched a week of action as part of Operation Sceptre — the national campaign aimed at reducing knife crime.
Running from Monday (May 19) to Sunday (May 25), the initiative involves a coordinated effort by neighbourhood policing teams, who will be visiting retailers to provide guidance on legislation and encourage staff to challenge underage attempts to purchase knives.
The campaign also offers members of the public a safe and anonymous way to dispose of knives and bladed articles. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the following police stations will accept voluntary surrenders throughout the week:
- Llangunnor Road, Carmarthen
- Old Castle Road, Llanelli
- Boulevard St. Brieuc, Aberystwyth
- Parc Teifi, Cardigan
- Merlins Hill, Haverfordwest
- Park Lane, Newtown
A police spokesperson said: “This is part of our ongoing commitment to remove knives from our communities and reduce the risk of harm. While the vast majority of people do not carry knives, the impact of even one incident can be devastating.”
Residents are also urged not to donate unwanted knives to charity shops. Instead, they can safely dispose of them in designated metal bins at local recycling centres.
Anyone concerned that someone they know may be carrying a knife is encouraged to report it — either to the police directly, to a trusted adult, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Crime
Teenager to face Crown Court trial over strangulation allegations

Two separate incidents under investigation
A TEENAGER has appeared before magistrates accused of attempting to strangle the same woman on two separate occasions.
Ieuan John, 19, of Plas Peregrein, Steynton, Milford Haven, is charged with attempting to strangle a female on January 6 and again on October 2, 2024. He is also accused of assaulting her, causing actual bodily harm.
“This matter is aggravated by the fact that there are two separate strangulations,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday.
The court heard that police were called to the second incident on October 2 following a report from the female, who alleged she had been punched to the legs and torso. She later attended hospital for treatment, where she disclosed the earlier alleged strangulation.
John denies all three charges.
Following a request from the Crown, magistrates declined jurisdiction and committed the case to Swansea Crown Court. Proceedings will commence on July 25.
John was granted conditional bail. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, must not enter Richard John Road, Milford Haven, and must reside and sleep at his home address.
Crime
Milford man admits threatening neighbour after 27-year feud

Victim ‘terrified’ after being called homophobic slur
A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted using homophobic and abusive language during a confrontation with his neighbour of 27 years.
Andrew Johns, 46, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
The incident occurred on May 30 in Richard John Road, when neighbour Elizabeth Radcliffe returned home.
“They’ve lived next door to each other for 27 years, but there have been numerous issues,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. “That day, when she came home, the defendant started calling her a c*** and said he was going to kill her husband, who he described as ‘a f****** gay muppet’.”
Ms Vaughan said the victim was left feeling terrified in her own home as a result of the outburst.
Probation report ordered
Due to the homophobic nature of the comments and concerns over the defendant’s mental health, magistrates agreed to a request from the Crown Prosecution Service for a full probation report to be prepared before sentencing.
Johns, of Richard John Road, was released on conditional bail until sentencing on July 15. He must not contact Mr or Mrs Radcliffe, either directly or indirectly.
Crime
Man remanded after escaping police by asking to check on dog

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody after escaping from police by claiming he needed to tend to his dog.
Officers attended the home of Zachariah Roberts, 23, in Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, to question him over an alleged breach of bail conditions. During the visit, Roberts asked to check on his dog.
“He was given some latitude by officers,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “But instead, he let himself out of the property and made off. It doesn’t get any higher than that.”
Magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the offence. Following a request by Ms Vaughan, Roberts was remanded in custody.
The remand was made on the grounds that he may commit further offences, interfere with witnesses, or fail to surrender to bail.
Roberts is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on July 25.
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