News

Six child sex offences recorded on average every day in Wales

Published

9 years ago

March 23, 2017

THE NUMBER of child sex offences reported to police across Wales rose to 2,328 last year: An average of more than six a day.

The figures, obtained by NSPCC Cymru/Wales, show a 13 per cent rise on 2014/15, when 2,069 sexual offences against children were recorded by Wales’s four police forces.

Dyfed Powys Police saw the most significant increase, from 328 to 679 in 15/16; a 107 per cent rise.

A total of 643 victims in Wales were aged ten or under. At least 185 victims were four and under, some of whom would be too young to even attend primary school.

The other forces recorded the following figures, which were released to NSPCC Cymru / Wales under the Freedom of Information Act:

North Wales
398 (14/15) 584 (15/16)
South Wales
637 (14/15) 753 (15/16)
Gwent
706 (14/15) 311 (15/16)

Across the UK, the figure rose to a record 55,507 last year, which an average of 152 a day or one child sex offence every ten minutes.

Police recorded crimes against children that included rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation.

The NSPCC believes a number of reasons could explain the increase across Wales and the rest of the UK, including police forces improving recording methods; survivors feeling more confident in disclosing abuse following high-profile cases, and online grooming becoming a major problem with predators reaching multiple children.

The total number of sex offences committed is unknown, as more children may not have come forward because they are frightened, embarrassed, or do not realise that they have been abused.

Currently, police and social services mostly react when child sexual abuse is reported. NSPCC believes there needs to be a concerted shift towards early intervention and preventing child sexual abuse before children are exposed to harm.

NSPCC Cymru is calling on the Welsh Government to lead on the development of a comprehensive child sexual abuse action plan.

This is why the children’s charity, as well as Stop it Now! Wales and The Survivors Trust, are working in partnership on a cross party group on child sexual abuse in the National Assembly for Wales.

The NSPCC’s “Speak Out. Stay Safe” programme visits primary schools across the UK to help children learn the signs of abuse and what to do if they have been the victim of such abuse.

The programme, which was launched in Wales in 2011, has already reached more than 80,000 children.
NSPCC also wants every child who is sexually abused to receive a therapeutic service to enable them to recover from the experience.

It is also essential that children receive a therapeutic service to help them recover. The charity’s ‘Letting The Future In’ service provides therapy for children who have been sexually abused and the charity is working with other organisations to increase the amount of therapeutic support available for children in Wales.

NSPCC also provides the ‘Protect and Respect’ programme which helps older children and young people who have been, or are at risk of being, sexually exploited.

Des Mannion, head of NSPCC Cymru / Wales, said: “Sexual abuse can shatter a child’s life and without help have lifelong impacts. Victims need help to speak out and support to help them recover from their ordeals and go on to lead full and happy lives.

“NSPCC is calling on the Welsh Government to lead on the development of a comprehensive child sexual abuse action plan. This action plan could ensure that parents and professionals know what to do to prevent child sexual abuse as well as ensuring children receive the help they need to recover.

“Given the increasing prevalence of online offending we need to ensure children and young people are protected online. It is therefore crucial that a comprehensive online safety action plan is also developed, supported by a digital advisory group.”

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

1 hour ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

4 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.