News
Wales records 2,000 child grooming crimes amid online safety bill debate
TODAY (Aug 15), NSPCC Cymru unveiled alarming figures showing almost 2,000 online grooming crimes against children in Wales over the past six years, a period during which online safety laws have been under discussion.
Research data from all major police forces in Wales pinpoints 1,753 offences of Sexual Communication with a Child since its inception in 2017/18.
Nationally, police recorded over 34,000 such offences, with a staggering 5,500 involving primary school children. This means under-12s account for a quarter of the identified victims.
Ahead of the final decisions on the Online Safety Bill, NSPCC’s analysis underscores the grave reality of child abuse on social media. Notably:
- 83% of grooming cases over the past six years targeted girls.
- Snapchat was implicated in 26% of these incidents, while Meta-owned platforms were involved in 47%.
Sophia*, a victim of online grooming at 15, shared her traumatic experience. He coerced her, using her photos as leverage, and instilled fear by threatening to expose her to family and friends.
The Online Safety Bill, drafted two years ago, was first mooted in 2018 after NSPCC’s clarion call. The legislation proposes a legal duty of care by tech companies to young users, obliging them to assess and mitigate child abuse risks. It also empowers Ofcom, the regulator, to address abuse in private messaging, ensuring safeguards even in encrypted settings.
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said the research underscores the urgency for the Online Safety Bill. Cecile Gwilym, of NSPCC Cymru, echoed similar sentiments, urging the Welsh Government to collaborate closely with Westminster for child safety.
The NSPCC’s proactive involvement has also led to the incorporation of key provisions in the bill:
- Holding tech bosses criminally responsible for significant child endangerment.
- Introducing guidance on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.
- Ensuring tech firms address grooming pathways across different platforms.
However, the NSPCC wants the bill to regulate AI and immersive technology. They are also advocating for a dedicated online child safety entity to pre-emptively address emerging risks.
As the Online Safety Bill’s fate hangs in the balance, the NSPCC is mobilizing support, urging campaigners to press MPs for its robust implementation.
*Name altered for confidentiality.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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