Crime

Call for reform of compensation scheme for child abuse victims

Published

8 months ago

September 1, 2025

A CHARITY has warned that children in Pembrokeshire and across Wales who are abused online are being denied justice under an outdated compensation system.

The Marie Collins Foundation, which supports victims of technology-assisted child sexual abuse, has sent an open letter to the Ministry of Justice calling for urgent reform of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS). The letter is co-signed by major child protection organisations and backed by MP Sarah Champion, who has tabled an amendment to the Victims and Courts Bill.

‘Two-tier system of justice’

Campaigners say the current scheme fails many young people groomed and coerced online, despite a Court of Appeal ruling in 2023 that such abuse can amount to a “crime of violence”. As a result, victims in Wales are being refused compensation – something which survivors and frontline services say creates a “two-tier system of justice.”

The proposed reforms would:

Make all victims of child sexual abuse eligible, including those harmed online.
End automatic exclusions for victims with criminal convictions linked to their abuse.
Give survivors seven years from reporting the crime – or from their 18th birthday – to apply.

Local impact

While the letter is national, the issue has clear relevance in West Wales. Dyfed-Powys Police, which covers Pembrokeshire, recorded more than 400 online child abuse image offences last year. Child protection workers say those numbers reflect only a fraction of the harm being caused in local communities.

Rhiannon-Faye McDonald, Head of Advocacy at the Marie Collins Foundation, said: “Children who are groomed, coerced, and abused online suffer trauma that is just as real and devastating as physical abuse. Yet the current system treats them as less deserving of justice.”

Sarah Champion MP added: “It is disturbing that we currently have a hierarchy of harm – online child abuse is still abuse and is equally damaging.”

Case study

The Foundation highlighted the case of Charlotte, who was groomed online at the age of 12 and threatened with violence if she spoke out. When images of her abuse were later shared among her peers, she was initially denied compensation on the grounds that the crimes were not considered “violent.” She eventually won her appeal, but campaigners say the process caused further avoidable trauma.

With children here spending more time online than ever before, local safeguarding groups say the law must recognise the realities of modern abuse. Reforming the scheme, they argue, would not only deliver justice for survivors but also send a clear message that technology-assisted child sexual abuse is every bit as serious as physical offences.

Crime

Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock

Published

19 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ELIZABETH COURT SCENE STOOD DOWN AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A FOUR-HOUR police standoff in Pembroke Dock has ended with a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident at Elizabeth Court has now been stood down and the scene released.

The man has been taken to hospital to receive medical attention.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “I want to thank local residents for their patience while we dealt with this incident. I understand that such a large police presence in a residential street is concerning to see, and I’m grateful to everyone who co-operated with our officers at the scene.

“I’d like to offer my reassurance that our units responded to an isolated domestic incident, and there was no further threat posed to the wider community. The scene has now been released, and we will investigate the full circumstances of this morning’s incident.”

Officers were called to the address this morning (Saturday, May 9), with a large police presence remaining in the area for several hours.

Eyewitnesses told The Herald that police were asking a man upstairs to come down, with tasers drawn during the incident.

Police dogs, specialist officers and what appeared to be a negotiator were also seen at the scene.

The incident lasted from around 11:00am until about 3:10pm.

Crime

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

Published

23 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL

A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident at Milford Haven School.

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 8).

He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding with a knife.

The charges relate to an incident at Milford Haven School on Thursday, February 5, when emergency services were called after reports that a teacher had been assaulted by a pupil carrying a weapon.

The school was placed into lockdown and pupils were later safely evacuated.

The injured teacher was taken to hospital with stab wounds, but was discharged later the same day.

Police said at the time that specialist officers were supporting the victim and the wider school community.

The teenager was remanded in custody following Friday’s hearing.

A trial is due to begin on July 6.

Crime

Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge

Published

3 days ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room while behaving aggressively and racially abusing staff.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were called to Silverdale Lodge at around 8:55am on Saturday (May 2) following reports of disorder involving a resident.

According to police, the man allegedly acted aggressively towards staff members and made racially abusive comments before barricading himself inside a room at the property.

The force said armed officers were deployed to ensure the safety of staff, other occupants and the man himself.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police was called to Silverdale Lodge in Johnston at approximately 8.55am on May 2 following a report of a male behaving in an aggressive manner and being racially abusive towards a member of staff.

“Officers attended the scene and the male had barricaded himself in a room.

“In order to ensure the safety of the male, staff members and other occupants of the building, armed officers attended the scene.

“The man was detained and arrested. There were no injuries to members of staff or officers reported. There is currently no ongoing threat to the public.”

Police confirmed Billy Pitman, aged 29, has been charged with racially aggravated public order offences, criminal damage and threats to cause criminal damage in connection with the incident.

Pitman was remanded into custody and appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 4).

We will bring you the court result as we receive it.