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Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police hit by more than 400 data breaches in three years

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Force pays out thousands in compensation following incidents

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has confirmed it has experienced more than 400 data breach incidents since 2022 — with thousands of pounds paid in compensation to affected individuals.

Figures released following a Freedom of Information request by Data Breach Claims UK show that in 2022 the force recorded 104 data breaches, rising to 134 in 2023, before dropping slightly to 126 over the past year.

The incidents range from inappropriate sharing of information to misdirected emails, with “inappropriate sharing of data” the most common cause — accounting for 114 cases. A further 75 incidents involved emails being sent to the wrong recipients.

Force statement

In response to the figures, Dyfed-Powys Police told The Herald: “Dyfed-Powys Police takes its responsibilities in respect to data breaches very seriously. The force has processes in place for data breaches to be reported, all of which are investigated by the Data Protection Team.

“Dyfed-Powys Police follows the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) guidance and reports data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office, where they meet referral criteria. Additionally, those subject to a data breach are informed, when required, in line with NPCC guidance.

“The Data Protection Breach Policy sets out everyone’s responsibilities in respect to data breaches, and the Force Information Security Policy is also available online.”

The FOI response was issued with a caveat that the figures may include duplicates, reports later found not to be breaches, or incidents caused by other organisations.

Compensation claims

Since 2022, six claims have been lodged against the force relating to data breaches, leading to a total of £6,500 in compensation being paid. The largest payout — £6,000 — was made in the 2024/25 financial year.

Bethan Simons, a solicitor at JF Law, said: “Breaches don’t always have to be complex cyberattacks. Many are caused by human error — misdirected emails, loss or theft of devices containing sensitive information, or accidental publication of data.

“Internal mishandling can also occur, such as officers accessing data without authorisation or failing to redact sensitive details. To prevent these breaches, forces must prioritise data protection measures, comprehensive staff training, encryption of devices, and strict data-sharing policies.”

National concern

A 2020 study by VPNoverview found UK police forces had suffered more than 2,000 data breaches in a single year, raising concerns about both cyberattacks and insider threats.

Data breaches within police forces can lead to victims suffering financial loss, identity theft, fraud, harassment, and severe emotional distress, as well as affecting ongoing investigations.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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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.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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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.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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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.

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