DYFED-POWYS POLICE’S Chief Constable, Dr Richard Lewis, has issued a strongly-worded statement to Haverfordwest Magistrates in relation to the growing number of physical and verbal assaults carried out on police officers.

“Police officers and police staff are people,” he said. “They are fathers,mothers, sons and daughters and when they are attacked, they become victims, just like everyone else. But they are victims who are trying to help and protect society.”

Dr Lewis said that in 2024, no fewer than 175 assaults have already been committed against on-duty officers in the Dyfed-Powys Police force division, resulting in the loss of 363 sickness days.

Chief Constable Lewis’ statement was presented to Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday after 22-year-old Hope Phillips of Coach House, Cartlett, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker by beating in the early hours of November 1.

Police officers had been called to the County Hall car park in Freemans Way, Haverfordwest, where other officers were attempting to restrain a male.

“The defendant was trying to get in the officer’s way and when she was asked to stand back she grabbed [the officer] by the arms and slapped her to the face,” said Crown Prosecutor, Nia James.

In a statement read out to the court, the officer said her left cheek had been slapped by Phillips, resulting in an ‘immediate sting’.

“It shocked me,” she said. “I didn’t expect to be assaulted and it took me by surprise how quickly the situation escalated. It left me feeling disappointed.”

Meanwhile Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis said that an increasing number of officers are putting themselves ‘in harm’s way’ as they attempt to safeguard the public.

“All too often police are subjected to assaults, and the impact on society never changes,” he said. “But it’s never acceptable to assume that assaults on police officers should be accepted.”
Chief Constable Lewis said the assaults are impacting on the officers’ physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as their professional and personal morale.

Meanwhile a probation report read out to the court said that Phillips was heavily intoxicated at the time of the offence and has no idea how she ended up in the County Hall car park.

“When she discovered what had happened, she was horrified and now wants to express her remorse for what happened,” said the probation officer.

This was endorsed by Phllips’ solicitor, Jess Hill.

“The defendant had spent the evening celebrating Halloween at a friend’s house, but unfortunately this was how it all ended,” she said. “This has been a wake up call for her and has scared her.”

Philips, who has no previous convictions, was sentenced to a 12 month community order, during which she must carry out ten rehabilitation activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work. This was uplifted from 80 hours because her victim was an emergency worker. She was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer, £85 costs and a £114 court surcharge.

A WOMAN whose former partner was murdered in a cowardly town centre attack has shaved her head to raise awareness and funds to combat knife crime, nearly three years after his killer was jailed for life.

John Bell was fatally stabbed in the back after walking away from an argument near a friend’s house. He was found seriously injured in a side street adjacent to the Fusion restaurant in Cardigan, having sustained seven stab wounds inflicted by Ashley Keegan at nearby Golwg y Castell.

Despite efforts to save him, Mr Bell succumbed to his injuries at the scene due to significant blood loss. A post-mortem examination confirmed the brutal extent of his injuries.

Keegan, who had been drinking and became increasingly aggressive on the day of the attack, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2021 for what was described as a “brutal and cowardly” act. The court heard how Keegan retrieved a knife from a garden before launching the fatal assault after Mr Bell walked away from their altercation.

Remembering John

Mr Bell, who was a devoted father to a teenage daughter, is remembered fondly by his former partner, Louise Faller.

“John was a good-hearted man,” Louise shared. “As a first-time dad, he was amazing—he took to it naturally. John and I will always have the bond of being first-time parents together. He was a lovely man.”

Louise reflected on the profound impact of his death on their family, particularly on their daughter Cindy.

“There is still sadness, hurt, and anger about it,” she said. “Cindy will turn 18 on December 4, but the impact has changed her view of people and life. Her only comfort is me, her siblings, and her cats, which bring her love and peace.”

A Bold Act for Change

On Saturday, Louise had her hair shaved off in a buzz cut at Cardigan’s Hair Studio to raise money for Lives Not Knives, a youth-led charity focused on preventing youth violence through mentorship and guidance for people aged 9 to 21.

“I chose to shave my hair because it marks nearly three years since [Keegan] was sentenced for what he did,” Louise explained. “I wanted to highlight the dangers of knife crime and how easily a life can be taken. It’s a ripple effect of damage and broken hearts left behind.”

Louise is close to reaching her £500 fundraising target for Lives Not Knives and expressed deep gratitude for the support she has received.

“I couldn’t be more thankful for every single person who has donated and supported me,” she said. “It really has and will help this world in a small but huge way. Thank you from my heart.”

To donate to Louise’s campaign, visit www.justgiving.com/page/louise-faller-1727971243840.

A PEMBROKE man has appeared before magistrates charged with raping a woman on New Year’s Day 2015.

Mark Jones, 31, is accused of raping the woman at an undisclosed location in Pembroke and of sexually assaulting another woman in Llangain on September 19, 2020.

Jones, of Lord Meadow View, Pembroke, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday but entered no pleas.

Due to the seriousness of the charges, magistrates declined jurisdiction, and Jones will now appear before Swansea Crown Court on December 20. He was released on unconditional bail.