Crime

Vagrancy Act to be scrapped after 200 years

Published

8 months ago

June 14, 2025

Law criminalising rough sleeping to be repealed by spring

ROUGH sleeping will no longer be treated as a crime, as the UK Government confirms plans to formally repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824.

The 200-year-old law, introduced to tackle homelessness in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, has been widely criticised by campaigners for treating poverty as a criminal issue.

Although prosecutions under the Act have declined significantly in recent years, it remains enforceable in England and Wales. The Government says it will now be repealed entirely by spring 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “We are drawing a line under nearly two centuries of injustice towards some of the most vulnerable in society, who deserve dignity and support.

“No one should ever be criminalised simply for sleeping rough, and by scrapping this cruel and outdated law, we are making sure that can never happen again.”

The move forms part of a wider government strategy to tackle the root causes of homelessness. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has increased homelessness funding by £233 million this year, bringing the total for 2025–26 to nearly £1 billion.

Minister for Homelessness, Rushanara Ali said: “Today marks a historic shift. Scrapping the Vagrancy Act is another step forward in our mission to tackle homelessness in all its forms.”

The Government says new powers will be introduced to replace elements of the Vagrancy Act which deal with criminal behaviour, not rough sleeping. These include a new offence of facilitating begging for gain – aimed at tackling exploitation by organised crime groups – and an offence of trespassing with intent to commit a crime.

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of homelessness charity Crisis, said: “This is a landmark moment that will change lives. For 200 years the Vagrancy Act has meant that people who are homeless are treated as criminals. Ending its use recognises a shameful history of persecuting people for poverty and destitution.”

Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, said: “The repeal of the Vagrancy Act cannot come soon enough. We are supporting thousands of people sleeping rough, all with their own stories – from complex health issues to an unaffordable housing market.”

The Deputy Prime Minister is working with councils, mayors, and frontline organisations on a new national homelessness strategy, due to be published later this year.

Crime

Fishguard man admits assault and criminal damage

Published

24 hours ago

February 8, 2026

Court Reporter

Court orders no contact with woman and bans him from address ahead of sentencing

A FISHGUARD man has admitted assaulting a woman and damaging property during an incident earlier this year.

Peter Bromley, aged 50, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing.

He pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage.

The court heard that on January 13, 2026, at Fishguard, Bromley assaulted a woman by beating her.

During the same incident, he also damaged crockery belonging to her.

Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Bromley was remanded on conditional bail and must return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 26 at 12:00pm.

Strict bail conditions were imposed. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not attend her address in Fishguard.

Sentencing will take place later this month.

Crime

Pembroke Dock man admits threatening to hack woman’s head off with sword

Published

1 day ago

February 8, 2026

Court Reporter

Court imposes strict bail conditions and bans contact with named individuals ahead of sentencing

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has admitted sending a message threatening serious violence and has been remanded on conditional bail while the court prepares a pre-sentence report.

Charles Bianchy, aged 37, of Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to making a communication conveying a threat of serious harm, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.

The court heard that on September 16, 2025, at Pembroke Dock, Bianchy sent a message to a woman, threatening to hack that woman’s head off with a sword, intending, or being reckless as to whether, the recipient would fear the threat would be carried out.

Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Bianchy was remanded on conditional bail and must attend the next hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 26 at 10:00am.

Strict bail conditions were imposed. He must not contact the alleged victim and one other witness to the case, directly or indirectly, and must not attend at a specified address in, Pembroke Dock.

He is also prohibited from entering any data, or permitting any data to be entered, onto any electronic network referencing the complainant .

The case will return to court later this month for sentencing.

(Image: File photo)

Crime

Community order for man who breached sexual harm prevention order

Published

1 day ago

February 8, 2026

Court Reporter

Walters fined and ordered to complete rehabilitation programme after admitting breach of court-imposed restrictions

A NARBERTH man has been handed a community order after admitting breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

John Walters, aged 61, Townmoor, Narberth, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Tuesday (Feb 4).

The court heard that between December 5 and December 7, 2025, Walters breached the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which had been imposed by Swansea Crown Court in June 2022.

Walters indicated a guilty plea at an earlier hearing.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until August 3, 2027. As part of the sentence, he must complete the Building Choices Programme, consisting of 21 sessions, and comply with up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity at the direction of a responsible officer.

The court also fined him £200, stating the penalty was set as a punitive element.

Walters was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge. A collection order was made for the money to be deducted from benefits at a rate of £20 per month.

Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are designed to restrict behaviour and protect the public. Breaching the terms of such an order is a criminal offence and can lead to further penalties, including imprisonment.