Crime
Railway Station crime episode put under the spotlight by local politicians
LOCAL politicians are calling for action to tackle the problem of vandalism and antisocial behaviour at Haverfordwest train station.
In a meeting at the station on Friday morning (2nd February) organised by local Councillor David Bryan, Preseli MP Stephen Crabb and Paul Davies MS joined representatives from British Transport Police and Transport for Wales to review the condition of the station and discuss recent incidents of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage nearby.
While Transport for Wales is responsible for managing the station, it remains unclear what parts of the station are owned by Network Rail. Action is being taken following the meeting to clarify ownership to understand whether old buildings can be improved and utilised into community facilities.
Last year Haverfordwest station saw almost 100,000 entries and exits as passenger numbers continue to recover following the Covid pandemic.
During the meeting it was confirmed that a short-term security solution has been implemented and that British Transport Police would be working closer with Dyfed Powys Police to address the issues at the station. CCTV as an option is being explored but subject to funding being made available by Transport for Wales. Transport for Wales are also interested in working with any community groups who may want to become station adopters to work with them to improve the appearance of the station.
Following the meeting, local MP Stephen Crabb said:
“Haverfordwest station is in a poor state with boarded up windows and a partially abandoned appearance. But the truth is that it is well-used by passengers, has a successful café on site, and thankfully still has a staffed ticket office. With a bit of care and some investment, the station could be brought back to a condition we can all be proud of. Wherever buildings look unused or abandoned, they attract vandalism and problems.”
“ I am pleased that we were able to have such positive meeting about the station’s future and I’m hoping that there will be real momentum to tidy it up and make it more appealing for the community that use it but also to give a good impression of the town for those arriving by rail.”
Crime
Dangerous dogs warrant executed by police in Carmarthenshire
POLICE have confirmed that a warrant under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was executed by Dyfed-Powys Police and the RSPCA at a property in Cefneithin Road, Gorslas, Carmarthenshire on Saturday, April 27.
Two prohibited dogs were removed from the premises, and an investigation is ongoing between the two agencies.
At the time of writing, please said that no arrests made.
Crime
Plea hearing for man accused of assault and strangulation
A HAVERFORDWEST man is appearing at Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, April 26) charged with assaulting and strangling a woman
Oliver Torkington, 38, of Pembroke Road, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with two offences last month, and is in Swansea Crown Court today to make his plea, after the local court declined jurisdiction.
Torkington is alleged to have assaulted a woman in St Clears on March 23 and caused her actual bodily harm.
He is also accused of strangling her.
The case came before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on March 25 and Torkington has been remanded in custody since then.
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Crime
Teenage girl in court charged with three counts of attempted murder
A 13-YEAR-OLD appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court this morning, in connection to the incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman on Wednesday.
She was charged with three counts of attempted murder, and one count of possession of a bladed article in a public place.
No pleas were entered, and she was remanded into a youth detention centre until a future court hearing at Swansea Crown Court.
Criminal proceedings are active in respect of this case, and we ask members of the community not to speculate or comment on the circumstances.
On Thursday (Apr 25), the police confirmed that a teenager had been charged in relation to the incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Amman yesterday.
Police were called to the school at around 11.20am, following reports that three people had been injured.
Two teachers and a pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds. They received treatment for knife injuries, have all since been discharged.
A CID-led investigation was launched, and there has continued to be a police presence at the school today as we gather evidence to assist our enquiries.
Police also said: “Yesterday evening, our control room received a number of calls reporting concerns over messages being shared on social media, which had references to the incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman.
Officers swiftly carried out a warrant at the home of the person believed to be responsible for this content, and a 15-year-old male was arrested.
He also remains in police custody while we investigate these allegations.”
At a press conference outside the school, also on Thursday, Superintendent Ross Evans said: “While this investigation is being run separately to our enquiries into events at the school, our officers are seeking to establish if there was a connection between the alleged offences.
“Again, I would urge people not to speculate, not to share any images or videos relating to either investigation, and to allow us to carry out our enquiries fully.
“If you, or your children, are distressed by these events, please seek support from an appropriate agency.
“Finally, I would once again like to thank our colleagues at the Welsh Ambulance Service and Wales Air Ambulance Service for their swift response to this incident, as well as the NHS staff who treated those who were injured, the charitable organisations who are supporting those affected by this incident, and the vigilant members of the public who reported their concerns to us.”
Ysgol Dyffryn Aman has confirmed that it will re-open to pupils on Monday, 29 April. Carmarthenshire County Council and Ysgol Dyffryn Aman would like to reassure the school community, in anticipation of the school reopening, that a broad range of wellbeing support will continue to be offered to pupils, teachers and staff at the school.
From Monday, 29 April, a dedicated Education and Child Psychology Team from the Council will be available for pupils and staff and will maintain a presence at the school, for the next two weeks, to provide ongoing support and assistance as needed.
Upon the school’s reopening, counselling will be available for pupils at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman to offer support and guidance to students facing difficulties.
The Council’s internal Occupational Health Team, in collaboration with the Education Department, is working to provide comprehensive support for affected staff members. This will entail offering wellbeing support sessions, drop-in sessions, group sessions, and referrals for 1:1 therapeutic support as needed.
Carmarthenshire County Council is grateful to the numerous offers of support from external agencies to provide additional assistance for our students during this time. We are carefully considering how and when to use these services.
Council Leader, Cllr. Darren Price said: “As a County Council, we are doing everything that we can to support the community of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman and we have set out a wellbeing support plan to help the pupils and staff.
“This will be a joint support approach, as we are adopting a collaborative approach to ensure that all individuals affected receive the support they require. This includes coordinating between internal and external resources to provide holistic assistance.”
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