Crime
Maenclochog man throttled partner then called police on her
A MAENCLOCHOG man who strangled his girlfriend during a drunken row and then reported her to police for drink-driving has been branded a coward by a judge.
Swansea Crown Court heard that Brian Pratt, aged 51, attacked his on-off partner at his home after an argument while they were watching a film in bed. He grabbed her by the throat until she couldn’t breathe, then pushed her to the floor, breaking a bone in her hand.
The woman fled the house and drove off, but Pratt called 999 to accuse her of drink-driving. When arrested, he claimed he had acted in self-defence after she threw water at him.
In a statement, the victim said she still suffers flashbacks and post-traumatic stress and felt “betrayed” by Pratt’s actions.
Pratt admitted intentional strangulation and assault causing actual bodily harm.
Judge Paul Thomas KC told him: “You behaved like a cowardly bully. You’ve shown no real remorse and blamed her for your actions.”
He was given a 15-month suspended sentence, ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation, and banned from contacting his ex for four years.
Crime
Boat removed from Cardigan scene as police probe young woman’s death
A BOAT covered in black plastic sheeting has been removed from the Netpool area of Cardigan as part of a major police investigation into the death of a young woman.
The vessel was taken away at around 11:30pm on Saturday (Nov 15) under police escort and is understood to form a key part of the ongoing forensic inquiry. Officers had cordoned off the slipway near the River Teifi throughout the day, with multiple police vehicles and scenes-of-crime teams attending.
Emergency services were first called to the location around lunchtime on Saturday (Nov 15) following a 999 call, and a large police response was reported soon afterwards.
A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. His condition has not been confirmed, and Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet said whether any arrests have been made.
The woman, believed to be in her early twenties, has not yet been formally identified.
Police are expected to remain in the area while specialist officers continue their investigation.
The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for an official update.
Crime
Police investigate death of young woman in Cardigan
POLICE are investigating following the death of a young woman in Cardigan this afternoon (Nov 15).
Officers were called to the Netpool area, near the River Teifi, where the slipway was cordoned off and access restricted while investigations were carried out.
A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to local sources.
Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet formally identified the woman, who is in he early twenties, or confirmed whether anyone has been arrested.
The Herald has contacted the force for an official statement
Crime
South Wales Police praised but told to improve child abuse investigations
Inspectors rate leadership and partnership working as ‘good’ but highlight inconsistent risk assessments
SOUTH WALES POLICE has been praised for its strong leadership and partnership work in protecting children from harm — but inspectors have called for improvements in how the force assesses risk and investigates abuse cases.
A report published on Thursday (Nov 14) by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) examined how the force responds to children at risk, how effectively it investigates allegations of abuse, and how well it works with safeguarding partners.
The inspectors concluded that “the concerted efforts of officers and staff, extending from operational teams to strategic leaders, are helping to achieve better outcomes for children.”
The report rated the force’s leadership, partnership work, and response to children at risk as good, but said performance in assessing risk and investigating abuse, neglect and exploitation was only adequate.
The inspection found that officers were “committed and caring,” and praised the establishment of specialist exploitation teams and the force’s investment in training. However, it also identified inconsistency in the supervision of child protection cases and delays in recording safeguarding decisions.
Assistant Chief Constable Tom Williams said the findings reflected the dedication of staff across South Wales Police and the importance the force places on protecting the most vulnerable.
He said: “Every day our officers and staff, both on the frontline and in specialist roles, work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities from harm. I am really pleased that our work on child protection has been recognised by HM Inspectorate.
“In such a complex area of policing there will be ways we can get better, which is why we have increased training and set up dedicated exploitation teams that have already made a difference in identifying and investigating offences of grooming and child sexual exploitation.
“There is more work to do, but we are totally committed to protecting children from harm and playing an integral role in the wider network of partners across South Wales who keep young people safe.”
South Wales Police urged anyone concerned that a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect to report it, promising that all reports will be taken seriously and investigated.
The full HMICFRS report can be read at: South Wales Police: National child protection inspection – HMICFRS.
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