Crime

Government appoints journalist safety officers across every UK police force

Published

8 months ago

October 5, 2025

Move aims to combat threats and abuse faced by reporters

EVERY police force in the UK now has a dedicated officer responsible for protecting the safety of journalists, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed.

Known as Journalist Safety Liaison Officers (JSLOs), the new roles will provide reporters with a direct point of contact when facing threats, harassment, or violence, both online and in person.

The move is part of a strengthened partnership between the media, police and government, designed to tackle growing concerns over the intimidation and abuse of journalists.

Media Minister Ian Murray said: “Too often, journalists are put in harm’s way while fulfilling their vital role of delivering accurate news to the public. It is only right that they feel supported and protected so they can focus on carrying out their jobs to the highest standard.

“By appointing journalist safety liaison officers in every police force, I hope reporters will feel reassured knowing they have a direct point of contact if issues arise.”

The government has worked with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to ensure all 43 forces in England and Wales, as well as the British Transport Police and Counter Terrorism Policing, now have dedicated JSLOs. Similar positions already existed in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

According to the DCMS, the officers will offer guidance ahead of high-risk reporting assignments, such as covering protests, and will ensure that crimes against journalists are recorded and investigated consistently.

The initiative forms part of the government’s National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists, first launched to address increasing hostility towards reporters in the UK.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who co-chairs the national committee for journalist safety, said: “I know first-hand what it feels like to be on the receiving end of threats and intimidation. But I also know my experience is not unique – too many people who put themselves in the public eye to do their jobs face the same.

“My broader work on safeguarding has shown me how important it is to protect those who speak out, and that must include journalists. Their work underpins our democracy and they must be able to do it free from fear.”

Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, the NPCC’s media and communications lead, added: “Policing is proud to support this work and we will continue to play our part in ensuring that journalists are protected and empowered to do their jobs without fear or intimidation.”

Crime

Drug trafficker must repay £33,000 after court rules he made nearly £500,000

Published

12 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE drug trafficker jailed after a major cocaine and cannabis seizure has been ordered to repay more than £33,000.

Dean Evans, 44, returned to Swansea Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing after prosecutors sought to recover money made through his offending.

The court heard it had been agreed that Evans benefited from criminal conduct by £496,533.94. However, his available assets were calculated at £33,337.37.

Judge Catherine Richards made a confiscation order for that amount and gave Evans three months to pay. If he fails to do so, he faces a further year in prison.

Evans, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, is already serving an eight-year sentence after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

He was caught after Dyfed-Powys Police’s Roads Policing Unit stopped his Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, at around 10:25am on January 2.

Officers searched the vehicle after Evans admitted they would find “stuff” inside.

They discovered around one kilogram of cocaine in a cardboard box in the boot, together with 5.4 kilograms of cannabis in a black bin bag. The cannabis had been split into ten vacuum-sealed bags.

Swansea Crown Court was previously told the drugs had a combined potential street value of up to £185,000, made up of around £125,000 of cocaine and cannabis worth up to £60,000.

A mobile phone seized from Evans revealed what prosecutors described as a “dealer’s list”, with dozens of names and sums believed to be owed. Messages also showed Evans directing dealers below him in the supply chain.

At the original sentencing hearing, the court was told Evans had 23 previous convictions for 62 offences, including rape and robbery. His previous drug matters had related only to possession.

Sarah John, mitigating, said he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had stayed out of trouble for a “fairly lengthy period”, with his last conviction in 2016.

Jailing Evans for eight years, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You are clearly a man with few criminal boundaries.

“You ensnared users and low-level drug dealers into debt, dragging them into a vicious circle of criminality.”

After sentencing, DC Phill Jones, of Pembrokeshire’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said illegal drugs brought misery to local communities and would not be tolerated.

He said: “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to any others who are tempted into the illegal drugs trade. You will get caught and you will go to prison.”

Photo caption: Drugs seized:

Dean Evans was caught with cocaine and cannabis worth up to £185,000 in his car (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police).

Crime

Man wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts

Published

13 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN is wanted by the courts after failing to attend a hearing relating to a series of alleged shop thefts in Pembrokeshire.

Jack Morgan, of Pembroke, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) but failed to attend.

The court heard that Morgan faces several allegations of shop theft from businesses in Pembrokeshire.

The charges include the alleged theft of vodka from the Co-op in Pembroke Dock, along with food and drink items including sausages, crisps and Dragon Soop from The Green Garage.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on various dates earlier this year.

After Morgan failed to attend court, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

He will now be brought before the court once located by police.

Court officials heard that the matters remain before the court and no pleas have yet been entered.

Crime

Man jailed after admitting strangulation and assaults

Published

13 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN has been jailed after admitting a series of offences including intentional strangulation, assaulting a police officer and assault by beating.

Darren Claypole, aged 52, of no fixed abode, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16).

The court heard that Claypole admitted intentionally strangling a woman during an incident earlier this year.

He also pleaded guilty to assault by beating and assaulting a police constable in the execution of their duty.

The offences were committed across separate incidents, with the court hearing details of repeated offending.

Claypole entered guilty pleas before magistrates Dr R Talbot-English, S Ley and A Smith.

He was sentenced to an immediate term of imprisonment.

The court also imposed a restraining order to protect the complainant and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge.

Magistrates said the offences were serious, particularly the strangulation allegation, which Parliament has recognised as a significant indicator of escalating domestic violence.