Crime

New sexual assault referral centre hub to open in Aberystwyth

Published

7 months ago

October 10, 2025

A NEW Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) hub is preparing to officially open next week, with partners gathering today for a special open day to showcase the specialist support it will provide for victims and survivors of sexual violence across the Dyfed-Powys area.

The hub was built using capital funding from the Welsh Government, following a successful application by Hywel Dda University Health Board, who have also overseen the development of the new facility. The services delivered from the hub are jointly funded by NHS partners, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, and policing. It forms part of a wider partnership approach between criminal justice agencies, health services and third-sector organisations, aimed at ensuring that those affected by sexual violence receive the care, support and guidance they need.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn, who officially opened the new hub, said: “Ensuring that victims and survivors of sexual violence have access to the right services, at the right time, is a key priority for me as Police and Crime Commissioner. Nobody should ever feel alone after experiencing such a traumatic crime, and it is vital that specialist help is available to support people through recovery.

“One of my Police and Crime Plan priorities is to place victims and survivors at the heart of everything we do. The opening of this hub is a clear example of that commitment in action- making sure that people across the Dyfed-Powys area can access high-quality, compassionate support closer to home.

“I am proud that we have been able to provide funding towards this project, and that by working in partnership with health colleagues and specialist providers, we are improving the services available to some of the most vulnerable in our communities. The launch shows what we can achieve when we listen to victims and ensure their needs guide the way services are delivered.”

Lee Davies, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning said: “The opening of this new SARC hub in Aberystwyth represents a vital addition to the regional network of support for survivors of sexual violence. Through close collaboration with our partners in policing, advocacy, and specialist care, we are helping to ensure that individuals affected by these traumatic experiences can access services that are safe, accessible, compassionate, and tailored to their needs. The centre offers a confidential space where people can begin their journey of recovery with dignity and support, and we are gratefulto be able to contribute to a collaborative effort that brings this essential service to our region.”

Jackie Stamp, CEO of New Pathways said: “We are proud to be part of the launch of the new Sexual Assault Referral Centre hub in Aberystwyth, a vital step forward in ensuring that survivors of sexual violence across mid and west Wales have access to specialist, trauma-informed support closer to home.

At New Pathways, we have spent over three decades walking alongside survivors, and we know how important it is that services are client-led, accessible, compassionate, and tailored to individual needs. This new SARC hub will offer a safe and welcoming space for anyone affected by sexual violence, regardless of when the abuse occurred, and will provide access to crisis support, forensic medical services, advocacy through the criminal justice process and specialised counselling.

We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, the Police, Hywel Dda University Health Board and other key agencies through the Wales Sexual Assault Services Programme. Together, we are committed to ensuring that survivors are heard, believed, and supported every step of the way. “

Chief Constable Ifan Charles said:“Supporting survivors of sexual assault and abuse is a key priority. SARCs are a safe place, that provide free, specialist care and support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused, at any time in their life. Police interviews and forensic examinations can be undertaken privately, and specialist staff are trained to help survivors regardless of when or where the incident happened, and they will support the individual to make informed decisions about what they want to do next – but will never tell them what to do.

“They will listen to survivors and believe them, and they will be cared for in a place where they are safe. SARCs support people of all ages, whatever their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Please do not suffer in silence, you are not alone – help is available from a SARC without having to talk to the police or report what happened.

“The development of this new sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) hub in Aberystwyth is a huge step forward in the specialist support available to victims and survivors.”

The hub will raise awareness of the support available to victims and survivors and provide a safe and confidential environment where people can access medical care, forensic examination, counselling, and ongoing advocacy.

This investment also reflects the Commissioner’s commitment to putting victims and survivors at the heart of the 2025-2029 Police and Crime Plan priorities, ensuring their voices are heard and needs are met.

For more information and to access support, visit:
New Pathways Rape crisis and sexual abuse support services.
How to access support after a Sexual Assault (SARC) – Hywel Dda University Health Board

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

16 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

16 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.