Crime

Bluestone Team boosts victim support and rape prosecutions

Published

12 months ago

July 11, 2025

New trauma-informed approach sees marked increase in justice outcomes

A NEW police initiative offering compassionate, trauma-informed support to rape victims has led to a significant rise in prosecutions and referrals to specialist services across the Dyfed-Powys area.

Dyfed-Powys Police introduced its dedicated Bluestone Team in March 2024, with the aim of improving engagement with victims, raising awareness of available support, and encouraging greater participation in the criminal justice process.

Virtual support and quicker response

One of the key innovations introduced by the Bluestone Team is a rapid video response service for victims reporting offences outside the forensic evidence window. This allows victims to speak with specially trained officers from the comfort of their own homes via video link or phone call.

“This gives victims more control over how and when they disclose their experience,” said Detective Sergeant Ben Staniforth. “It also allows us to gather vital information sooner, which is essential in progressing investigations.”

Victims are also offered immediate access to a crisis worker from New Pathways, the region’s rape crisis and sexual abuse support service—eliminating delays that might otherwise occur. The initiative was shaped in close consultation with the Dyfed-Powys Police victim engagement forum, which provided valuable insight from people with lived experience.

Promising results in first year

Since the launch of the pilot in March 2024, Dyfed-Powys Police has recorded an 18 per cent increase in victims supporting criminal justice outcomes and a 30 per cent rise in those accepting referrals to New Pathways.

In addition, 79 per cent of engaged victims accepted support from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)—a 30 per cent increase on the previous year.

DS Staniforth added: “This not only means we can pursue more suspects in serious cases, but also ensures that survivors are getting access to the emotional and practical support they need.”

Turning ‘tells’ into reports

The Bluestone Team has also seen a rise in the number of victims initially disclosing sexual offences to professionals—such as paramedics or GPs—later choosing to make a formal report to police. Between March 2024 and March 2025, 13 victims who had not intended to report the offence went on to support a criminal justice outcome following contact with the team.

“These are people who may not have otherwise come forward,” said DS Staniforth. “Our approach ensures they are aware of both their support options and the justice process—always delivered in a trauma-informed and respectful way.”

Award-winning innovation

In recognition of their efforts, the Bluestone Team was awarded the Innovation and Problem Solving Award, sponsored by Robiquity, at the Dyfed-Powys Police Force Awards on Friday (July 4). The ceremony, sponsored by CDW, was held at police headquarters and celebrated the achievements of more than 20 individuals and teams across the force.

How to report rape or sexual assault:

Not ready to speak to police? You can still access support: Support after rape and sexual assault | Dyfed-Powys Police
Ready to report? Visit: Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Dyfed-Powys Police
By phone: Call 101 for non-emergencies, or 999 in an emergency.

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.