Crime
Police join forces with charity to tackle online child sexual abuse
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
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
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
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
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.
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