News
Live saving medical kit will help police on the roads

POLICE officers have been given equipment that improves the chance of survival for those injured in a serious crash, as part of Dyfed-Powys Police’s effort to reduce the number of people who die on the roads.
The medical kits are being given to roads policing officers, who are often the first at the scene of a serious crash. They are described as the best available to deal with the type of bleeding they encounter at road traffic collisions, and also in the case of knife and glass wounds, and are the same as those issued to ambulance crews.
Sergeant Owen Dillon, of Brecon Roads Policing Unit, worked with the Welsh Ambulance Service to trial the kit, which he has called ‘simple to use, but effective’.
He said: “We work really hard to reduce the number of collisions on the roads, but unfortunately they do still happen, and people can become seriously injured.”
“It only takes a few minutes for someone to bleed to death, so it’s vital that police officers – who are often first at scene – can deal quickly with any bleeding while waiting for paramedics.”
The equipment has been bought with funding of around £1,000 from the Police and Crime Commissioner. Traffic officers in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys will keep the equipment in their patrol cars.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, added: “Keeping people safe is a top priority for me and this investment will equip officers with the best medical kit possible to deal with immediate life threatening injuries. I am committed to ensuring Dyfed-Powys plays an active role in keeping road users safe.”
Police officers are already trained to use tourniquets and bandages, and the Roads Policing Units who work as part of Op Darwen – the force’s campaign to reduce casualties on the roads – are being given the additional training they need to use this equipment.
Figures show that in 2018, 67 motorcyclists were either killed or seriously injured on roads in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys, and men were eight times more likely to be affected than women.
The Welsh Ambulance Service is committed to working in partnership with other emergency services to save lives.
Carl Powell, Clinical Support Officer for the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “It is vital that Roads Policing Officers, who are often the first on scene and confronted with serious and life threatening injuries, are supported in preserving life with equipment that is effective in dealing with major bleeding.
“The trauma packs are a proven lifesaving asset and need minimal educational input to be used.”
As part of the Op Darwen, the force is urging motorcyclists to ride safely, and reminding drivers to be vigilant to motorbikes and other powered two-wheelers.
The campaign will run until October, when statistics say the roads are busiest. Roads Policing Units are working across the Dyfed-Powys Police area using a combination of education, engagement and enforcement, to reduce the number of casualties on the roads.
Education
Apprenticeship Week Wales: Free advice for people in Pembrokeshire

AS APPRENTICESHIP WEEK WALES unfolds, Careers Wales is highlighting the support available to help people explore the different opportunities available to them.
Apprenticeships are one of many routes individuals can take to develop skills, gain qualifications, and build experience in the workplace.
They offer people of all ages the chance to earn while they learn, gaining recognised qualifications and valuable hands-on experience.

In 2022-23, Wales saw significant engagement in apprenticeship programmes. Data gathered from the Medr Apprenticeship Learning Dashboard
shows that during that year, 22,880 apprenticeship learning programmes were started in Wales. This was an increase of 14% from the previous year (202122).*
25% of these were in South West Wales, with 5,650 apprenticeships started. 1,045 people took up apprenticeships during the year in Pembrokeshire alone.
With opportunities in 23 diverse sectors, from creative industries to green skills, there’s something for everyone. The top 5 apprenticeship learning programmes in 2022/23 in Wales were:
- Healthcare and Public Services
- Management and Professional
- Construction
- Business Administration
- Engineering*
Apprenticeships are not only suitable for young people. Over 70% of apprenticeships taken up in Wales in 2022-23 were by people over 19 years old. Over 4,500 (or 20%) of apprenticeships that started in 2022-23 were taken up by people aged 40 and over.*
Nikki Lawrence, chief executive of Careers Wales said: “Apprenticeship Week Wales is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate apprenticeships, and the value they bring to learners, employers, and the wider Welsh economy.
“Apprenticeships provide a pathway for people to gain qualifications while working and earning a wage, and can be a valuable route for those looking to develop their skills.
“Our careers advisers can provide tailored support for people of all ages with exploring apprenticeships, as well as the full range of alternative options available to them.”
For those interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities in Wales, resources are available, including the apprenticeship finder on the Careers Wales website, to assist in finding and applying for positions.
You can read more about the free services provided by Careers Wales and Working Wales, call 0800 028 4844 or email [email protected].
Crime
Driver jailed after crashing into house and fleeing scene

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who crashed into a house after destroying a garden wall before fleeing the scene has been jailed.
Oliver Torkington, 39, from Tenby, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on January 22, where he pleaded guilty to multiple motoring offences, including careless driving, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident, and driving without insurance.
The court heard that on July 14, 2024, Torkington was driving a Seat Leon on the A470 at Talerddig, Powys, when he failed to negotiate a right-hand bend. His vehicle ploughed through a stone garden wall before colliding with the corner of a house, causing significant structural damage. The impact resulted in cracks extending from the exterior walls into the interior of the property, leaving the homeowner with extensive repair costs and safety concerns.
Rather than stopping to assess the damage or exchange details, Torkington drove away from the scene. He also failed to report the accident to the police within the required 24-hour period. Investigators later traced the vehicle back to him, leading to his arrest.
During sentencing, the court was told that Torkington was uninsured at the time of the crash.
Magistrates handed him a nine-week custodial sentence, citing the seriousness of his offences and his disregard for the law. In addition to his prison term, he was ordered to pay £110 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
He also had 10 points added to his driving licence, which will significantly impact his ability to drive legally upon release.
Torkington, who is currently serving a separate sentence at HMP Parc for a violent assault, was also warned about the potential consequences of further driving offences upon his release.
Approximately four months ago, he was convicted of a serious attack against his former partner in St Clears. During the assault, he punched, strangled, and stamped on the woman in a fit of jealous rage after seeing her speaking to a doorman during a night out. The victim suffered a broken finger and continues to experience ringing in her ear as a lasting impact from the attack. During sentencing for that offence, the judge criticised his behaviour, describing it as immature and reckless.
Magistrates stressed the importance of road safety and accountability, particularly in cases involving dangerous driving and damage to property.
The case highlights the severe penalties for drivers who fail to take responsibility for their actions on the road and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of driving with care and proper insurance.
Community
Is enough being done to tackle fly-grazing?

A PEMBROKESHIRE road was closed after horses were running loose during rush hour yesterday (Wednesday, February 12), raising further concerns over the ongoing problem of fly-grazing in the county.
The incident occurred on the A477 near Nash Fingerpost junction at 8:50am. The road was shut while the horses were removed.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of two horses loose on the A477 near to Nash Fingerpost junction at around 8:50am yesterday (February 12). The horses were safely moved from the road.”
This latest disruption comes as Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police continue their efforts to tackle the growing problem of horses being left on public land and highways. Known as fly-grazing, the issue has been causing increasing safety concerns and public disruption across the county.
Authorities launched a joint initiative over the Christmas period, aiming to combat the issue through a coordinated operational effort. However, with roads still being closed due to roaming horses, many are questioning whether enough is being done to address the problem effectively.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of managing fly-grazing incidents and ensuring public safety.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns about fly-grazing by contacting [email protected] or calling 01437 764551.
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