A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sent to the Crown Court for trial after appearing before magistrates accused of a historic sexual offence.

Martin Howell, aged 54, of Trafalgar Road, Milford Haven, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 10).

The court heard that Howell is charged with indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16, an offence alleged to have taken place on March 27, 1985.

The case is unusual in that the alleged incident is said to have occurred when the defendant himself was 13 years old, one day short of his 14th birthday.

No plea was entered at the hearing.

Due to the seriousness of the allegation, magistrates declined jurisdiction and ordered that the case be sent to the Crown Court for trial.

Howell was granted conditional bail.

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have launched a winter policing operation aimed at tackling town centre crime, antisocial behaviour and dangerous driving during the festive period.

The force is taking part in the Home Office’s Winter of Action campaign, with officers concentrating on crime “hotspots” across Dyfed, Powys and West Wales in the run-up to Christmas and New Year.

Police say the focus will be on reducing shoplifting, street crime and antisocial behaviour, alongside increased patrols linked to the night-time economy. The operation also includes measures targeting violence against women and girls, as well as alcohol-related disorder.

The winter campaign is being supported by Operation Ivydene, a dedicated antisocial behaviour initiative funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Dyfed-Powys Police received almost £500,000 in 2024 to deliver additional patrols and targeted responses in identified problem areas.

According to the force, Operation Ivydene delivered more than 12,000 hours of patrols during its first year, with reported antisocial behaviour falling by around 40% in hotspot locations.

The second year of the operation began this autumn. Inspector Darren Crockford said lessons learned during the first phase were now being used to broaden the focus.

He said: “Whilst we are still working towards the original aim of reducing antisocial behaviour, there is now an added emphasis on reducing serious violent crime, knife crime and retail crime.

“So far, over 2,050 hours of patrols have taken place across hotspot areas, with more than 70% of those patrols involving engagement with local businesses, charities and third-sector organisations.”

Operation Ivydene is currently active in a number of towns, including Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Pembroke in Pembrokeshire, along with Ammanford, Llanelli and Carmarthen in Carmarthenshire, Aberystwyth and Lampeter in Ceredigion, and Newtown and Llandrindod Wells in Powys.

Community engagement forms a key part of the operation. Police say more than 6,300 surveys were carried out during the first year of Operation Ivydene to gather feedback from residents and businesses in hotspot areas.

Inspector Crockford added that the responses had helped officers better understand local concerns and shape patrol activity.

Alongside town centre policing, Roads Policing Units are also increasing patrols over the festive period, with a focus on drink and drug driving.

Police said officers would also be targeting the so-called “Fatal Five” offences – speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving without due care, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – which are the most common causes of fatal and serious collisions.

Dyfed-Powys Police covers more than 8,500 miles of road across the force area. Officers are urging drivers not to feel pressured into risky decisions and to take responsibility for staying safe behind the wheel.

Updates on the winter operation are being shared through Dyfed-Powys Police social media channels and the Dyfed-Powys Connects messaging service.

MEMBER of the Senedd Paul Davies MS has praised the “vital role” played by the voluntary sector in Pembrokeshire following a visit to PAVS – Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services.

Mr Davies met with Chief Executive Jess Bickerton and members of the PAVS team, who provide support to individuals, volunteers, community groups and charities across the county.

During the visit, the Preseli Pembrokeshire MS was briefed on the wide range of advice, guidance and practical assistance offered by PAVS to help local organisations operate effectively and respond to community needs.

PAVS works closely with voluntary and third-sector groups, supporting everything from governance and funding applications to volunteering and community development, and plays a key role in strengthening local networks across Pembrokeshire.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Davies said the organisation’s work was crucial in helping communities thrive, particularly at a time when many voluntary groups are facing increasing pressures and rising demand for support.

He thanked Ms Bickerton and her colleagues for their work and for the warm welcome, describing their contribution as “invaluable” to communities throughout the county.

PAVS supports hundreds of organisations and volunteers each year and is a central hub for the voluntary and community sector in Pembrokeshire.