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

Carmarthenshire man admits ABH, affray and damage to police vehicle

Published

8 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been remanded in custody after admitting a series of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, and criminal damage to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.

Justin Thomas, 33, of no fixed abode, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 6.

Thomas admitted assaulting Kayleigh Marshall in Llanelli on June 27, 2025, causing her actual bodily harm.

He also admitted criminal damage following an incident in Llanelli on June 7, 2026, when a police vehicle belonging to Dyfed-Powys Police was damaged.

On the same date, Thomas was further charged with affray, after using or threatening unlawful violence towards others in conduct which would have caused a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their safety.

He also admitted damaging a window and property fixtures belonging to Phillip’s Lane Ltd.

Magistrates committed Thomas to Swansea Crown Court for sentence, ruling that their sentencing powers were insufficient.

He was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing, which is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, July 27.

Court records state that bail was refused due to the nature and seriousness of the offences, his previous record and character, and concerns that he was likely to offend.

The court also noted that Thomas was subject to a conditional discharge for assaulting a police constable at the time the latest offences were committed.

Crime

Five seriously injured in A4067 crash near Craig-y-Nos

Published

9 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Child airlifted to hospital as two men arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving

FIVE people were seriously injured following a multi-vehicle collision on the A4067 near Craig-y-Nos, Powys, on Sunday evening.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:50pm on Sunday, July 5, and involved a green Ford Fiesta, a black Volkswagen Polo and a grey Vauxhall Grandland.

A five-year-old child was airlifted to hospital with injuries believed to be life-threatening. Police said the child remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Four other people were also seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver of the green Ford Fiesta, a 39-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and child neglect.

Police later identified a yellow Ford Fiesta as also being involved in the incident. Its driver, a 65-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Both men remain in police custody.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who was travelling on the A4067 near Craig-y-Nos at the time of the collision and may have dashcam footage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: DP-20260703-277

Crime

Prosecution outlines ‘planned attack’ as Milford Haven teacher stabbing trial opens

Published

9 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Jury hears teenager allegedly brought kitchen knife into school before teacher was stabbed in the head

THE JURY in the trial of a 15-year-old boy accused of attempting to murder a Milford Haven teacher has this afternoon heard the prosecution’s detailed account of the alleged classroom attack.

The teenager, who cannot be named because he is under 18, denies attempting to murder Vicki Williams at Milford Haven Comprehensive School on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

Opening the case at Swansea Crown Court, Christopher Rees KC told jurors that the boy had brought a large kitchen knife into school in his bag before allegedly following Miss Williams into an empty classroom shortly after 3pm.

The prosecution alleges the teacher was alone and vulnerable when the defendant entered the room and launched what Mr Rees described as a “planned and murderous attack”.

Jurors were told Miss Williams suffered a penetrating stab wound to the top of her head, as well as injuries to her hands during a struggle for the weapon. The court also heard she sustained scratches and grazes to her back.

Mr Rees told the court: “The prosecution say the defendant planned and launched a murderous attack on the teacher. He deliberately stabbed Vicki Williams in the head.”

The court heard that Miss Williams shouted for help, after which the defendant ran from the classroom.

Emergency services attended the school and Miss Williams was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. She was discharged later the same evening.

The alleged attack led to a temporary lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School and caused widespread concern among parents, pupils and staff in the town.

This morning’s proceedings included jury selection and legal discussions before the prosecution opened its case shortly after midday. A jury of 12, along with an alternate juror, has been sworn in.

The defendant denies attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding. He has previously admitted possessing a bladed article.

Matthew Roberts KC is representing the teenager. The trial is being heard before Judge Paul Thomas KC and is expected to last up to three weeks.

The court is expected to hear further evidence over the coming days about the circumstances leading up to the incident, the injuries suffered by Miss Williams, and the explanation put forward by the defence.

The trial continues.