Crime

NFU Cymru ramps up rural crime campaign at Royal Welsh Show

Published

8 months ago

July 23, 2025

Farmers share first-hand accounts of theft, animal attacks, and increasing fear in the countryside

NFU CYMRU has renewed its calls for action on rural crime during a high-profile meeting at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

The union brought together members, staff and the Wales Wildlife and Rural Crime Co-ordinator, Rob Taylor, to highlight the growing impact of criminal activity in rural communities across Wales.

The meeting was chaired by NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader and focussed on the lived experiences of farmers, many of whom shared distressing accounts of livestock and machinery theft, hare coursing, and dog attacks on animals.

It followed a series of meetings between NFU Cymru and police forces across Wales in recent weeks, aimed at raising the profile of rural crime and spotlighting region-specific challenges.

Rob Taylor QPM used the event to explain his new role and outline progress on the Wales Rural Crime Strategy (2025–2028). He urged farmers to remain vigilant and to report all incidents to police to help build a full picture of the scale and impact of rural crime.

NFU Cymru’s Rural Crime Lead, Garry Williams, said: “I’ve suffered livestock theft first-hand and there’s real concern among farmers about how bad things are getting. The frustration is that we can see it getting worse, not better.

“Suffering a large loss of sheep doesn’t just hurt you financially in the short term—it can damage your business for years. The mental health toll, the stress and worry, is something that shouldn’t be underestimated.”

Abi Reader said NFU Cymru will continue pushing for stronger prevention and enforcement measures.

“We will keep raising and pushing hard on these issues,” she said. “It’s important to work together to make our voices heard.”

Crime

Man sentenced for stalking Milford Haven woman

Published

12 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest magistrates

A MAN has been sentenced after admitting stalking a woman in Milford Haven.

Andrew Richards, 39, of High Street, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

Richards had previously pleaded guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

The court heard that between December 2, 2025 and February 15, 2026, he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of Tamsin Matthias and which he knew, or ought to have known, amounted to harassment.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until September 8, 2027.

As part of the order, Richards must undertake alcohol treatment for nine months under the direction of the probation service.

He must also complete up to twenty days of rehabilitation activity as directed by probation.

Richards was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £500 compensation to the victim, £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court made a restraining order lasting until September 8, 2027.

Under the order, Richards must not contact the victim directly or indirectly and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material on social media or the internet referring to her directly or indirectly.

The court heard a victim personal statement from the complainant, which was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was prosecuted by Dennis Davies, with Richards represented by Mike Kelleher.

The hearing was before magistrates Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.

Crime

Man, 80, sentenced for stalking after campaign of unwanted emails and posters

Published

13 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed after Haverfordwest case

A MAN has been sentenced for stalking after admitting a campaign of unwanted contact and harassment in Haverfordwest.

Michael Lockheart, 80, of Daisy Lane, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

The court had previously heard that between July 27 and September 10, 2025, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to stalking.

The offence involved sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop making contact, putting up defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to the complainant’s GP and local authority.

Lockheart had entered a guilty plea to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, on January 27, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until March 8, 2028.

As part of that order, Lockheart must undergo non-residential mental health treatment for 12 months under Dr Cormac Duffy, as directed by probation.

He must also complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

Lockheart was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation, a £600 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court also made a restraining order lasting until March 8, 2028.

Under that order, he must not seek, approach or communicate with the complainant by any means, directly or indirectly. He must not knowingly enter any address where she is living, and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material online or on social media referring to her directly or by implication.

A victim personal statement was read to the court by the prosecutor.