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Crime

Police join forces with charity to tackle online child sexual abuse

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POLICE across Wales have launched a campaign with child protection charity the Lucy Faithfull Foundation to help prevent online child sexual abuse.

Throughout November and December, the four Welsh forces — Dyfed-Powys, Gwent, North Wales and South Wales Police — will work with the charity’s Stop It Now campaign to encourage people worried about their own or someone else’s online sexual behaviour to seek confidential help.

In 2024, more than 11,000 people in Wales contacted the Stop It Now helpline or used its online self-help services. These included 476 from the Dyfed-Powys area, 816 from Gwent, 622 from North Wales and 3,466 from South Wales.

The figures represent a 34% rise in people seeking help in Wales compared with 2023 — part of a UK-wide total of 275,000 people who reached out for support last year.

Viewing sexual images of under-18s or engaging in sexual conversations with under-16s are serious criminal offences that cause lasting harm to children. The campaign aims to raise awareness of these offences and direct people towards early intervention through the anonymous helpline.

Detective Superintendent Wayne Bevan, Wales Police lead for Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, said: “I’m pleased that all four Welsh police forces are supporting the Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s Stop It Now campaign and its preventative approach to child sexual abuse.

“Children are spending more and more time online and should be able to do so safely. Unfortunately, there are adults who see gaming and social media platforms as ways to contact young people for sexual purposes. The time it takes for an offender to contact a child online can be shockingly quick.

“While police will always take action where offences are committed, prevention is vital. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s work diverts people from offending by providing confidential help before a crime takes place.”

Claire Short, the charity’s Wales Manager, added: “Online sexual offences against children continue to affect communities across Wales. People who offend in this way come from all walks of life — there is no one type of person.

“This campaign raises awareness of the harm caused and, crucially, the confidential support we offer. We want people who are concerned about their behaviour to contact us before it’s too late. We can help you find a pathway out — anonymously and without judgement.”

Anyone in Wales concerned about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts or behaviour towards children can contact Stop It Now on 0808 1000 900 or visit www.stopitnow.org.uk for anonymous advice and support. The helpline welcomes calls in Welsh or English.

 

Crime

Man to stand trial accused of making death threat to Herald editor

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Defendant allegedly threatened serious harm in telephone call

A 34-YEAR-OLD Pembroke man is due to stand trial on Monday (Feb 2) accused of sending a message threatening death or serious harm to Pembrokeshire Herald editor Tom Sinclair.

Anthony Jones, of Castle Quarry, Long Mains, Monkton, is listed to appear before magistrates for trial at 12:00pm.

Court records show Jones faces two charges.

The first alleges that on February 24, 2025, in Pembroke, he made a communication that conveyed a threat of death, intending – or being reckless as to whether – the recipient would fear the threat would be carried out.

The charge is brought under section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023. The offence carries a maximum penalty of twelve months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

The second charge relates to an unrelated incident on April 8, 2025. Jones is accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a police officer, causing harassment, alarm or distress. The offence is alleged to have been racially aggravated under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

That charge carries a maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

Both matters were previously adjourned from December 10, 2025 for a full trial hearing.

The Herald understands the alleged threat formed part of online communications sent earlier this year and was reported to police.

Jones denies the offences and the case is expected to be contested.

The trial is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

 

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Crime

Pembroke man accused of child sex offences sent to Swansea Crown Court

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Defendant indicates intention to plead guilty as magistrates rule case too serious for local sentencing

A PEMBROKE man has been sent to the Crown Court after indicating he intends to plead guilty to a series of serious child sex offences.

David Lewis, aged 42, of Ashdale Lane, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jan 30).

Lewis indicated guilty pleas to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite a female child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. A further charge of attempting to cause a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity was also put to him.

The offences relate to online and electronic communication.

Magistrates said the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and committed Lewis to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was granted conditional bail ahead of his next court appearance.

 

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Crime

Disqualified HGV driver charged after dangerous A40 incident

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Lorry seen on wrong side of road before multi-force stop

A DISQUALIFIED driver has been charged after an HGV was reportedly driven erratically along the A40 between Narberth and St Clears in the early hours of Thursday (Jan 29).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that 22-year-old Tajinder Singh, of Tudor Road, Southall, has been charged with driving whilst disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road without insurance.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Jan 30).

The incident began when an off-duty police officer reported seeing the heavy goods vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the carriageway on multiple occasions, raising serious concerns for the safety of other road users.

Roads Policing Unit officers carried out immediate checks and traced the vehicle travelling eastbound along the A48 between Carmarthen and Cross Hands.

Specialist Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) tactics were authorised, with support requested from South Wales Police and the National Police Air Service due to the scale of the risk and the vehicle’s route.

The lorry was kept under constant observation as it continued along the A48 and onto the M4 before eventually stopping at an industrial estate in the Fforestfach area of Swansea.

Officers detained the driver at the scene. The vehicle was seized under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said officers will continue to take action against dangerous driving.

Anyone with concerns about unsafe or reckless driving is urged to report it to police.

 

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