News
Police urge victims of sextortion and online blackmail to report crimes

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is urging victims of sextortion and online blackmail to feel empowered to come forward and report incidents without feeling embarrassed.
The force has recorded seven reports of blackmail over the past three weeks, with victims being threatened that intimate photos or videos will be shared online unless they pay in cash or Bitcoin.
In some of these cases, victims have been contacted by strangers on social media and have been asked to share intimate photos or videos of themselves. They have then received threats that these images will be posted on social media unless they pay a certain amount of money to the blackmailer.
One victim reported being asked to pay £6,000 after initially being contacted through Instagram.
In other instances, victims have received emails from unknown people who claim to have sexual photos or videos of them. They threatened to share these with friends and family unless they are paid.
In light of recent reports, officers from Dyfed-Powys Police’s Digital Communications and Cyber Crime Unit have offered advice to anyone who receives similar threats online.
Detective Sergeant Rob Gravelle said: “The first thing we would urge is don’t panic, and don’t respond to blackmail threats. Report it to police immediately.
“Don’t communicate with the blackmailer further, but take screenshots of any chat history as evidence. Please also take a note of their user IDs, money transfer control numbers and any photos or video that were sent.
“If any photos or videos appear on a website or social media account, report these to the site as soon as you can. Ask for the images to be removed and for the perpetrator to be blocked.
“What is really important is for victims to feel empowered to report sextortion and blackmail without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. You are not alone, and it is very likely that other people will have been targeted by these criminals.
“Your call will be treated sensitively, and by reporting incidents you could help prevent other people from becoming victims.”
To report blackmail or sextortion to Dyfed-Powys Police call 101. If you are at immediate threat of harm, always call 999.
Crime
Residents demand action over Haverfordwest property chaos

SIX residents from the Furzy Park area of Haverfordwest have written to housing association ATEB, demanding action over persistent antisocial behaviour at an address in Caradoc Place.
Following a disturbance on Tuesday evening (Mar 11), police attended the property and arrested the woman living there. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with all the neighbours coming out of their homes as the incident unfolded. Footage of the arrest shows the woman shouting and swearing as officers placed her in a police van.
At a meeting with a Herald reporter on Wednesday (Mar 12), several residents expressed their frustration, with emotions running high.
Yana Gencheva, who lives close by in Delapoer Drive, was visibly distressed as she spoke about the impact on her family. She explained that her daughter, who has autism, struggles to cope with the frequent disturbances.

“I don’t know where to turn,” she said. “I am living in a nightmare.”
Ms. Gencheva, a former door supervisor, said she considered herself a strong person but admitted she was at her wits’ end. “I am tough, but I cannot deal with this—especially as I am worried for my daughter.”
The concerns extend beyond immediate neighbours. Jan Davies, who also lives in Caradoc Place, described the toll the ongoing situation has taken on her.
“I have had ten years of abuse from those living next door. Its currently impossible to live in Caradoc Place,” she wrote in a letter to ATEB. “They have had to have police protection and victim support.”
Ms. Davies said she is now suffering from serious health issues due to stress caused by the disturbances.
“This street was once a lovely and happy neighbourhood, with young people feeling safe to go out and play. This is no longer the case due to so many incidents in regards to the adults who live in that house,” she said.
She also alleged that she and her husband had been threatened, and that the occupants of the property in question had made threats to kill their dog.
“We should be enjoying retirement, not living in fear in their own home,” she added.
Residents say they have repeatedly reported issues to ATEB and the police, but claim the situation is only getting worse.

Partner of arrested woman facing serious charges
It has now emerged that the woman’s partner is currently in custody facing multiple charges.
The 37-year-old man was remanded following a hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 10), where he was charged with several serious offences, including assault, intentional strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour.
He is accused of assaulting his partner, causing actual bodily harm, on March 8 in Haverfordwest. He also faces charges of intentional strangulation under the Serious Crime Act 2015, alleged to have taken place on February 8 and February 22. Additionally, the defendant is charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 1, 2023, and March 9, 2025, allegedly restricting the victim’s social life, controlling money and property, and making threats.
A further charge relates to the male allegedly sending a communication on March 8 that conveyed a threat of death, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.
Magistrates determined that the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and sent Vaughan to Swansea Crown Court for trial. He was remanded in custody due to concerns he may commit further offences or interfere with witnesses.
The case will be heard at Swansea Crown Court on April 11 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The custody time limit expires on September 8, 2025.
The Herald has contacted ATEB for comment on the ongoing chaos in what would otherwise be a nice part of Haverfordwest to live in.
Business
Tenby Stores wins £5,000 award for community support

TENBY STORES has been recognised as a Local Retail Champion, earning a £5,000 prize from Allwyn’s National Lottery Social Value Fund for its outstanding community support.
The shop has been praised for its commitment to helping the local area, providing free fruit to schools, assisting with the community fridge, and ensuring elderly residents receive their groceries with care.
Henry Tufnell MP expressed his delight at the recognition, stating: “Small businesses like Tenby Stores are the backbone of our communities, and I couldn’t be prouder to see them celebrated.”
The award highlights the important role independent retailers play in supporting local people.
News
Welsh Government’s £789m investment package approved by Senedd

THE WELSH GOVERMENT’S Second Supplementary Budget 2024-25 has today been approved by the Senedd.
The £789m funding package, which was published in February, received final approval today. It includes substantial investments which have been delivered throughout the year, including:
- £264m for public sector pay rises announced in September.
- £108m for NHS improvements, including £50m to reduce the longest waiting times by the end of March 2025.
- £63.5m to improve school standards and support education at all levels.
- £53.5m for school and college infrastructure repairs and digital improvements.
- £10m to increase social housing through the Social Housing Grant.
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “We welcome the Senedd’s approval of this crucial budget. This investment strengthens the services that matter most to the people of Wales. The extra funding is supporting improvements in the NHS and schools; has provided pay increases for public sector workers and is helping to build more affordable homes for Welsh families.”
The Second Supplementary Budget also includes £166.7m for rail improvements and sustainable travel, £33.5m for road network safety, and £10m in emergency support for local authorities to repair damage caused by the winter storms.
The budget provides the essential foundation for the Welsh Government’s financial planning for 2025-26.
-
News2 days ago
Campaigners urge Welsh Government to end animal testing
-
Education2 days ago
Former Ysgol y Preseli headmaster passes following battle with cancer
-
Crime6 days ago
Calls for urgent reform as violence among teens rises in Wales
-
Community2 days ago
Much-loved radio DJ and entertainer Matt Baker passes away
-
News6 days ago
Delays to Wales’ tribunal system ‘deeply troubling’
-
News1 day ago
Police confirm tragic death of teenage girl in Burton
-
Top News6 days ago
Haverfordwest man accused of repeated assaults on partner to face Crown Court trial
-
Sport7 days ago
Hakin United secure final spot with second-half surge