Crime

West Wales cop charged with sexual assault by penetration

Published

2 years ago

February 7, 2024

IT HAS been confirmed by Dyfed-Powys Police this evening (Feb 7) that one of their officers has been charged with the offence of sexual assault by penetration.

DC Sam Garside, based in the Ceredigion division, has been suspended from duties since July 2023 when it was reported that he had allegedly committed an offence while off duty in December 2021.

The 30-year-old will appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on March 6, 2024, The Herald understands.

Senior investigating officer Huw Davies told this newspaper: “This is a serious allegation, and I recognise it will cause concern among our communities.

“I would like to give an assurance that swift action was taken when the allegation was made, and we now await the result of the criminal justice process.

“Legal proceedings are now underway, and it is important to avoid further commentary while this process takes place.”

In UK law, “sexual assault by penetration” is a criminal offense that falls under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. This offense involves intentionally penetrating the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person with a part of the body (such as a penis or finger) or with an object, without their consent.

Consent is a crucial element in such cases, and any sexual activity without clear and voluntary consent is considered a criminal act. The law recognises that individuals have the right to control their own bodies and engage in consensual sexual activities.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 categorizes various sexual offenses and establishes the legal framework for addressing such crimes.

The severity of penalties for sexual assault by penetration can vary depending on factors such as the degree of harm caused, the age of the victim, and any aggravating circumstances.

Legal consequences may include imprisonment, fines, and registration as a sex offender.

Crime

Pembroke Dock man accused of Tesco theft

Published

13 minutes ago

April 16, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant due back before Haverfordwest magistrates next month over alleged shoplifting offence

A MAN from Pembroke Dock is due to appear again before magistrates in connection with an alleged shop theft in Haverfordwest.

John Bendall, aged 29, of Pier House, Pier Road, Pembroke Dock, is charged with stealing items worth £155 from Tesco on October 4, 2025.

The allegation, brought under the Theft Act 1968, was listed before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Apr 16) for a first hearing.

No plea was entered and the case was adjourned.

Bendall was ordered to attend Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court again on May 5, 2026, at 10:00am for a plea hearing in Courtroom 1.

Crime

Man guilty of breaching restraining order over online reference to woman

Published

17 minutes ago

April 16, 2026

Court Reporter

Broad Haven defendant fined after court finds internet post referred by necessary inference to protected person

A MAN from Broad Haven has been convicted of breaching a restraining order after making an online reference to a woman he had been banned from mentioning.

Thomas Jones, aged 35, of Croft Road, Broad Haven, appeared for trial before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Apr 16).

The court heard that on February 28, 2026, Jones entered data on the internet which referred, by necessary inference to the female. He had been prohibited from doing so under a restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on May 6, 2025.

Jones denied the allegation when the case was heard, but magistrates found him guilty following trial.

The bench, made up of Mrs H Lewis, Mr A Allison and Mr D England, fined Jones £300.

He was also ordered to pay £650 in prosecution costs.

A victim personal statement from the woman was read to the court by the prosecutor.

Crime

Son charged after mother’s body found in chest freezer

Published

36 minutes ago

April 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Porthcawl pensioner, 89, was discovered after GP raised concerns and asked police to carry out welfare check

A MAN has been charged after the body of his 89-year-old mother was found in a chest freezer at her home in Porthcawl.

South Wales Police discovered the remains of Sylvia Phillips at a property in Poplar Crescent on Monday, February 17, after her GP asked officers to carry out a welfare check.

An inquest at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard that the cause of her death is still awaiting further investigation.

Her son, Christopher Phillips, 60, of Porthcawl, has been charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial. He also faces a charge of fraud by false representation.

Phillips has been remanded in custody and was due to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday (Apr 16).

The hearing was told that a post-mortem examination was carried out on March 2 by Dr Stephen Leadbetter at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Senior Coroner for South Wales Central, Graeme Hughes, adjourned the inquest while further enquiries are carried out.

The court also heard that Sylvia Phillips’ family had requested a cremation certificate, which was granted by the coroner.