News

Police and Crime Commissioner launches policing budget consultation

Published

2 years ago

November 4, 2023

THE DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn has this week launched a public consultation on the proposed 2024/25 policing budget for Dyfed-Powys Police.

Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible for setting the police precept which is the amount that local council taxpayers contribute towards policing. As part of this statutory duty, it is key that they seek public opinion to assist in the decision-making process,

As part of the public consultation, residents and business owners of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Powys are being asked if they think that Dyfed-Powys Police’s funding should be enhanced, increased, minimal, or frozen for the coming year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said; “Deciding on the precept level is always a challenging process, particularly in recent years where I have had to balance between unprecedented financial challenges and ensuring an appropriate level of policing service that our communities expect.

“A Force Review was initiated last year to critically assess all areas of activity seeking efficiencies, cost savings and transformational opportunities. Significant progress has already been made by Dyfed-Powys Police to ensure that the Force operates as efficiently and effectively as possible, and this very much remains a focus.

“However, working efficiently and effectively, does not mean the Force can meet all the growing demands placed on it.

“The financial challenges faced are considerable. High inflation, cost pressures along with requirements to provide critical infrastructure are compounded by the increased volume and complexity of crime and overall demands for police services.

“At this stage of planning, there are also uncertainties and both operational and financial risks around how much funding will be received from both the UK and Welsh Government through national Police Grant settlements and specific grants which underpin an extensive range of police and frontline activity.

“I am painfully aware of the pressure the cost-of-living crisis is putting on everyone, which I will take into consideration as I navigate the array of challenges striving to make the best decision for the safety and security of our community whilst ensuring a sustainable and financially resilient police service.

“The public consultation process allows me to consider your thoughts on funding levels and feedback. Over half of our policing budget comes through the policing precept, therefore it is very important for me to hear your views and I would be grateful to you for taking the time to complete this short consultation survey.”

The precept consultation period will run from 3rd of November to 17th of December providing ample opportunity for residents and businesses to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process.

The public can participate in the consultation by visiting https://bit.ly/DyfedPowysPrecept24-25 where they can find more information and complete a survey to express their views.

Paper copies are available on request from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.