Crime
Wales tops UK for domestic abuse helpline searches
WALES has the highest rate of online searches for domestic abuse helplines across the UK, according to new analysis of Google data.
Research by Newcastle-based family law specialists Beecham Peacock shows that Wales recorded 6.03 searches per 100,000 people for terms such as “domestic abuse helpline” and “domestic abuse help.” This was the highest rate in the UK, ahead of the East of England (4.74) and the East Midlands (4.71).
The findings come after the Office for National Statistics revealed that nearly one in eight women and girls aged over sixteen had experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking in 2024. Campaigners say the figures highlight the scale of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and the urgent need for better support services.
Charlotte Talbot, specialist family law solicitor at Beecham Peacock, said: “It’s important to remember that plenty of women and girls across the country will be in desperate need of support but not yet searching for resources online out of fear. Many victims take extreme precautions when looking for help, such as using anonymous modes on their web browsers.”
She added that the most dangerous period for women experiencing abuse is when they decide to leave their partner, making helplines and refuge services vital.
Earlier this year, the UK Government pledged an additional £20 million to expand support services, including £6 million for helplines. Women’s Aid has warned, however, that demand continues to outstrip supply, with more than 60% of refuge referrals being turned away due to lack of capacity.
Charities are calling for sustained investment to ensure helplines remain available 24 hours a day and that refuges have enough spaces for women and children fleeing violence.
For immediate help, victims of domestic abuse can call the free, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If you are in danger and unable to speak, dial 999 and press 55 when prompted to be connected directly to police.
Crime
Two Milford Haven men sent to Crown Court on GBH charges
The incident stems from a violent incident outside The Vibe public house, Milford Haven involving three men – a woman was also wounded in the incident
TWO Milford Haven men have been sent to Swansea Crown Court charged with section 18 wounding after an alleged incident in the town on November 15.
David McCallum, 41, of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates court on Monday (Nov 17). He is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding a woman in Milford Haven with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
McCallum also faces a second section 18 charge alleging that, on the same date in Milford Haven, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded a man with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
He was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, with the prosecution conducted by Nia James.
On Tuesday (Nov 18), Nathan Abbott, 31, also of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, appeared before District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest magistrates court.
Abbott is charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding a man in Milford Haven on November 15 with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
He was represented by Mike Kelleher, of Welch & Co.
Abbott also gave no plea, and his case was likewise sent to Swansea Crown Court under section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
Both McCallum and Abbott were remanded on conditional bail.
McCallum’s bail conditions include a curfew from 7:00pm to 7:00am, to be electronically monitored, not to contact directly or indirectly witnesses, and not to enter any public house, licensed club or off-licence.
Abbott’s bail conditions include living and sleeping each night at his home address , not to contact witnesses directly or indirectly, and not to enter licensed premises.
Both men must appear for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing at Swansea Crown Court on December 19, 2025, at 9:00am.
No pre-sentence reports were ordered and no indication was given regarding any victim personal statements at this stage.
Crime
Aberystwyth man remanded after admitting cocaine supply
Case sent to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing
AN ABERYSTWYTH man has been remanded in custody after admitting possessing cocaine with intent to supply and having £7,000 in criminal cash.
Luke Hutton, 25, of Corporation Street, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 17) for his first hearing. The case was heard by a bench of Mr J Steadman, Mrs M Scott and Mr R John. He was represented by Jessica Hill and Mike Kelleher, while the prosecution was led by Nia James.
Hutton pleaded guilty to two offences arising from a police incident at Yr Hafan, Princess Street, Aberystwyth, on November 14.
The first charge was possessing £7,000 in criminal property, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The second was possessing a quantity of cocaine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply.
Magistrates were told that Hutton indicated guilty pleas to both matters on the day of his appearance.
Because of the seriousness of the charges, the bench committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence under Section 14 of the Sentencing Act 2020. A pre-sentence report has been ordered.
Magistrates refused bail, citing the likelihood of further offending, the seriousness of the offences and the likely custodial sentence. Hutton was remanded into custody.
He will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on December 1, 2025, at 9:00am, for a committal for sentence hearing, listed for 30 minutes.
Crime
Motorcyclist to return to court over Dinas Cross crash that seriously injured woman
Case adjourned after part-heard trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court
A MAN accused of causing serious injury to a woman by careless driving on the A487 at Dinas Cross will return to court next month after his trial was adjourned part-heard.
Aleksandrs Lohins, 61, of Mayfield Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, is charged with causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, contrary to section 2C of the Road Traffic Act. The allegation relates to a collision on April 9, 2023, in which motorcyclist Anna Titorchuk suffered serious injuries.
Lohins is alleged to have been riding a Honda GL-1800 motorcycle, registration WJ05 MDE, without due care and attention when the incident occurred.
The trial began at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 17), with a bench comprising Mr J Steadman, Mrs M Scott and Mr R John. Lohins was represented by defence solicitor Mike Kelleher, while the prosecution was led by Nia James.
After hearing evidence, magistrates adjourned the case part-heard.
Lohins remains on unconditional bail.
The matter will resume at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 8, 2025, at 11:00am, in Courtroom 1. The hearing is listed for an estimated 20 minutes, and the defendant must attend.
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