Crime

Police say they are ready for any unrest in Pembrokeshire

Published

9 months ago

August 8, 2024

FOLLOWING reports on social media sites that a series of protests are planned across West Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police have issued a statement reassuring the public of their preparedness to manage any potential disorder. The statement comes as anti-racism and anti-immigration demonstrations are scheduled to take place in the coming days.

A Unity Rally organised by West Wales Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) will be held in Tenby on Saturday (Aug 10) at 11 a.m. outside St Mary’s Church. In the coming days, far-right protests are also planned for Tenby and Aberystwyth.

In response to the planned events, Dyfed-Powys Police told The Pembrokeshire Herald, “We won’t be commenting on specific events but want to provide reassurance that we are closely monitoring the situation across our four counties, and we have robust plans and resources in place to respond appropriately.

“We will always seek to facilitate lawful, peaceful protest while balancing it with the rights of others, keeping the public safe, and preventing crime and disorder.”
The police further encouraged protest organisers to contact them to ensure demonstrations are conducted safely and respectfully. “We encourage anyone organising a protest to contact us so we can work together to ensure any demonstrations are done safely and with respect for the wider community.

“We have no reason to expect disorder in our four counties, but we rightly have plans in place to deal with any disorder should it break out.”

Earlier this week, Stand Up to Racism released a statement highlighting the rise of far-right activities and the necessity of a united front against racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism. The statement condemned recent fascist riots and stressed the importance of peaceful demonstrations to oppose such ideologies.

They aid that The Unity Rally in Tenby is part of this broader effort to counteract the influence of far-right movements and promote community solidarity. Marj Hawkins, representing West Wales SUTR, expressed the importance of the rally, stating, “It is crucial to come together and say no to the far right. We hope the community will join us in this demonstration of solidarity.”

Dyfed-Powys Police told The Pembrokeshire Herald that it remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and participants in these events. The force’s proactive approach aims to maintain peace and order while respecting individuals’ rights to protest.
With the number of Anti-racism counter-demonstrations rising, the far-right trouble seems to be quieting down – at least for now.

Harsh prison sentences for rioters and an army of police officers ready to respond are one thing. However, the question on everyone’s lips is what the government will – or can – do to resolve the country’s deep divisions.

In Pembrokeshire—in fact, in Wales —we have so far been insulated from trouble. The local police say they are ready to ensure that it remains that way.

UPDATED STATEMENT FROM POLICE

The police have released a further statement on Thursday which reads as follows:

FOLLOWING the recent incidents of disorder seen nationwide, Dyfed-Powys Police officers will be conducting patrols across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys to provide reassurance and a visible presence in communities.

Deputy Chief Constable, Ifan Charles, said: “Disinformation has been a huge driver of the appalling violence across the UK and we all have a part to play in countering this.

“Please pay special attention to what you read, share, and believe from online sources.

“We will always seek to facilitate lawful peaceful protest while balancing it with the rights of others, keeping the public safe, and preventing crime and disorder – and we encourage anyone organising a protest to contact us so we can work together to ensure any demonstrations are done safely and with respect for the wider community.

“Attempts to disrupt our communities have no place in our society. We will not tolerate violence or hate directed towards anyone because of their race, religion, sexual orientation – or for any other reason at all. Our message is to think twice before you act.

“We want people to continue to enjoy everything our four counties have to offer – our beautiful beaches, our fantastic rural areas, and our unique towns and villages – and to feel safe to visit our area.

“We have no reason to expect disorder in our four counties, but we rightly have plans in place to deal with any disorder should it break out.

“We will take any acts of violent, threatening, or disorderly behaviour seriously and will act where appropriate with the full support of our criminal justice partners.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, Dafydd Llywelyn, added: “As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I want to stress the importance of reporting any criminal activity to Dyfed-Powys Police as soon as possible.

“Whether it’s through calling 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies, online reporting, or reaching out anonymously via Crimestoppers, your actions help us maintain the safety of our communities.

“I fully support the dedicated efforts of Dyfed-Powys Police in safeguarding our communities, and I urge everyone to work with them to ensure our streets remain safe and secure for all.

“Keeping our local areas secure is a top priority, and I encourage everyone to use these services if needed, so together we can continue making Dyfed-Powys a safer place for all.”

Anyone who has been a victim of crime or has had hate directed at them because of who they are is urged to report it to police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

If you have been the victim of hate crime, the Wales Hate Support Centre can provide free, independent, and confidential support to help you cope and recover. Their service is available 24/7 365 days a year. For more information, visit their website or call 0300 3031 982.

If you have been a victim of another type of crime, support is also available. Goleudy offers a personalised, emotional, and practical support service to help victims, families, and witnesses survive crime and make them stronger.

The service is free and confidential – whether or not the crime has been reported, and regardless of when it happened. Goleudy also provides a service to identify and manage the level of risk among victims of anti-social behaviour to improve community safety and reduce the impact on residents of Dyfed-Powys. Contact them by calling: 0300 1232996, Monday- Friday from 10am-6pm.

Crime

Van driver ignored warnings before causing head-on crash

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2025

Court Reporter

PETER GILMORE, a van driver who ignored police warnings about his dangerous driving, went on to cause a serious head-on collision.

Gilmore, aged 51, of Bryn Salem, Felinfach, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following the crash, which took place on the B4337 near Talsarn on February 1.

The court heard that Dyfed-Powys Police had received multiple reports about Gilmore’s erratic driving earlier that day. Concerned motorists reported that he was swerving across the road and tailgating other vehicles during a 14-mile journey from Aberystwyth to Llanrhystud and onto the B4337.

At one point, as Gilmore attempted to overtake a lorry, he veered into the path of an oncoming car. The driver of that vehicle was rushed to hospital with a fractured sternum, two broken ribs, and whiplash injuries.

Judge Geraint Walters described the case as “truly disturbing” during sentencing.

“Earlier that day, you were pulled over by the police on suspicion of drug-driving,” the judge said. “Despite that, you made the reckless decision to get back behind the wheel. It was obvious you were significantly impaired by substances.”

Gilmore was jailed for two years and four months and banned from driving for six years and two months. He must also complete an extended re-test before being allowed back on the road.

The court heard that around 5:00pm, officers received several urgent calls from the public about Gilmore’s driving. Witnesses said he almost collided head-on with another car, narrowly missed a bus, and was seen weaving dangerously across the road.

The crash occurred when Gilmore attempted to overtake a lorry and drove straight into the path of a Hyundai, leaving the other driver with serious injuries and no chance to avoid the collision. She was treated at Bronglais Hospital.

When police arrived, they noted Gilmore was slurring his speech and had abnormal pupils. Although he passed a roadside breath test, he tested positive for cannabis. He later refused to provide a sample for further analysis at hospital.

Gilmore admitted to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to provide a sample.

It also emerged in court that he had been pulled over earlier that day in Aberystwyth and arrested on suspicion of drug-driving. In a separate hearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court in March, he was banned from driving for three years after admitting that offence.

Defending, Ian Ibrahim said Gilmore fully accepted responsibility for his actions.

Sentencing him, Judge Walters said it was sheer “luck” that nobody was killed, and warned that Gilmore could easily have faced a much more serious charge.

Crime

Carmarthen man cleared of child sex assault charge

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A MAN from Carmarthen has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a child following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Stephen Boswell, aged 32, of Brynhaul Street, had been accused of assaulting a girl by penetration during an alleged incident said to have taken place in St Clears between 2010 and 2013.

Boswell denied the allegation and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

During the trial, the prosecution alleged that Boswell had warned the girl the act “was going to hurt but she would get used to it” before the alleged assault took place. When asked in court whether he had sexually touched the child, Boswell responded: “No, I did not.”

Defence barrister Dyfed Thomas said Boswell had given “a clear and consistent denial” from the outset. He also highlighted inconsistencies in the complainant’s account and differences in the evidence presented by witnesses.

The court was told Boswell had no previous convictions and had fully cooperated with police during their investigation, answering all questions in interview.

After deliberating for approximately 50 minutes, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.