Crime

Swift arrest enabled police to find truth behind victim’s serious injury

Published

2 years ago

February 27, 2024

WHEN a woman arrived at hospital with a deep cut to her leg and claimed it was caused by a falling knife, medical staff were concerned something wasn’t right.

The wound was serious, and the patient appeared nervous when talking about what had happened, raising suspicions of doctors at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.

Her account – that a knife had fallen off a counter, cutting her leg – did not correlate with the level of injury she had sustained, and vigilant staff contacted police.

After several attempts to speak to the patient alone, Dyfed-Powys Police officers made the decision to arrest her partner, Alfie Jack Field.

Detective Inspector Sam Gregory said: “The victim continued to provide an account to officers that felt prepared and unrealistic in comparison to the injury she’d sustained, which was a 5cm deep wound to her upper leg.

“By arresting her partner, specially trained domestic abuse officers could engage with the victim and gain her confidence. After some time she opened up and disclosed that Alfie Field had in fact stabbed her with a knife.

“Her injury was so serious that she needed a blood transfusion, but until Field was in custody she was too afraid to say anything.”

Continued engagement with the victim encouraged her support to proceed with a prosecution, and 22-year-old Field was charged with Section 18 wounding with intent on December 27, 2023 – the day after the incident.

Field, of Pontrhydfendigaid, admitted to wounding without intent and threatening a person with an offensive weapon or bladed article in a private place when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court. He was sentenced this week to a total of two years in prison, and was handed a five year restraining order.

DI Gregory said: “This case involved a vulnerable and very frightened victim, whose partner remained with her in hospital with the sole aim of preventing her from telling staff and officers what had really happened.

“I would like to commend her strength and acknowledge the courage it took for her to engage with officers and staff at the hospital for the truth to be known.

“This is a fine example of multiagency working, with the right support provided to the victim at the right time, and demonstrated and zero tolerance approach Dyfed-Powys Police takes on domestic abuse.

“We hope this sentence gives others living in abusive relationships or households the confidence to come forward, and reassures that they will be listened to and supported throughout the criminal justice process.”

Sharon Daniel, Interim Director of Nursing, Quality & Patient Experience at Hywel Dda University Health Board added: “I am pleased to hear that the vigilance of our clinical staff meant that we were able to help this patient who had suffered a serious injury at the hands of an abusive partner.

“Our staff do so much more than treat physical symptoms or injuries, they consider a patient’s wellbeing as a whole. I am very proud of the team in Bronglais and across the health board for their hard work.

“We would encourage any person admitted into hospital with injuries sustained as a result of domestic abuse to tell our staff whenever possible, although we understand this is often a difficult and sensitive situation.

“Any person who is having to deal with domestic abuse can find more information on our website on how to get advice and support – https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/domestic-abuse/ .

“We have also recently appointed a Domestic Violence Advocate in Bronglais Hospital, funded through NHS charities, as part of our commitment to improve identification and responses to domestic abuse in health settings.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

44 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge after series of offences in Haverfordwest

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A YOUTH has been given a conditional discharge after admitting a series of offences in Haverfordwest, including assault, shop theft and interfering with motor vehicles.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offences took place over a number of days in December 2025.

The court was told that on Saturday (Dec 6), the youth assaulted another child by beating them during an incident in the town. On the same date, they also stole two cans of Red Bull worth £5.40 from Tesco.

Further offences were committed on Tuesday (Dec 9), when the youth interfered with multiple vehicles at a vehicle repair workshop at Havens Head Business Park, Milford Haven. The offences involved attempts to interfere with vehicles with the intention of theft.

The youth appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where guilty pleas were entered to all matters.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge for each offence, taking into account the early guilty pleas.

The court also ordered the youth to pay £100 in compensation to the victim of the assault and £5.40 in compensation to Tesco. No order for costs was made due to the financial circumstances involved.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.