Crime

Police and Crime Commissioner preserves school safety programme

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2024

IN a determined move to protect the welfare of young people, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dafydd Llywelyn has reaffirmed his commitment to funding the dedicated Schools Programme across Dyfed-Powys, following the controversial decision by the Welsh Government to withdraw financial support earlier this year.

The decision, made in January, to cut funding caused widespread concern among schools, parents, and the community, as the programme has long been integral in providing dedicated Schools Police Officers. These officers deliver essential educational and well-being support to pupils aged 5 to 16 through a bilingual curriculum. The service not only safeguards students but also plays a crucial role in their personal development and pastoral care.

PCC Llywelyn expressed his dismay at the government’s decision, particularly noting the lack of formal consultation with police forces across Wales. Nonetheless, he swiftly intervened to ensure the continuation of the Schools Programme in the Dyfed-Powys region until the end of the previous academic year.

Having secured re-election as Police and Crime Commissioner in May, Mr Llywelyn has since worked closely with local and national partners to devise a long-term plan to secure the future of the Schools Programme. This commitment was highlighted during his visit to Ysgol Bro Myrddin in Carmarthen on Wednesday, 18th September, where he observed the implementation of the newly launched School Service.

During the visit, Mr Llywelyn stated, “The safety and well-being of our children is paramount, and the role of the School Police Officers has been vital in creating safe, supportive environments in our schools. Any reduction in support for this service risked compromising the development and security of our young people. That is why I made it a priority to ensure that the Schools Service continues in our area.”

He further emphasised, “This was one of my top commitments during my re-election campaign, and I stand by my promise to support our schools and young people. Maintaining the Schools Service is essential not only for the immediate safety and support it offers but also for the future success and well-being of our students. I will continue to fight for its future and to protect the best interests of our children.”

The importance of the Schools Programme was also supported by Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis, who highlighted the positive impact of the Schools Police Officers’ work. “I’m a strong believer in the work conducted by our Schools Police Officers – when you spend time speaking to the teams and to the schools who receive the service, their true value is clear,” said Dr Lewis. “While they do the important work of delivering lessons that help children and young people better understand complex societal matters such as violence against women and girls, they also submit referrals on matters of concern and ensure demand to our frontline response teams is cut in several ways – all while preventing unnecessary criminalisation of children.”

He added, “I share the Police and Crime Commissioner’s commitment to the Schools Service and I am delighted we are able to maintain this critical service in Dyfed-Powys.”

The Schools Programme, originally supported by the Welsh Government, has been a vital resource in delivering educational support and ensuring the well-being of students across the region. Now, thanks to Mr Llywelyn’s intervention, the future of this service appears secure in Dyfed-Powys, safeguarding the safety and success of young people for the foreseeable future.

Crime

Man to stand trial accused of making death threat to Herald editor

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant allegedly threatened serious harm in telephone call

A 34-YEAR-OLD Pembroke man is due to stand trial on Monday (Feb 2) accused of sending a message threatening death or serious harm to Pembrokeshire Herald editor Tom Sinclair.

Anthony Jones, of Castle Quarry, Long Mains, Monkton, is listed to appear before magistrates for trial at 12:00pm.

Court records show Jones faces two charges.

The first alleges that on February 24, 2025, in Pembroke, he made a communication that conveyed a threat of death, intending – or being reckless as to whether – the recipient would fear the threat would be carried out.

The charge is brought under section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023. The offence carries a maximum penalty of twelve months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

The second charge relates to an unrelated incident on April 8, 2025. Jones is accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a police officer, causing harassment, alarm or distress. The offence is alleged to have been racially aggravated under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

That charge carries a maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

Both matters were previously adjourned from December 10, 2025 for a full trial hearing.

The Herald understands the alleged threat formed part of online communications sent earlier this year and was reported to police.

Jones denies the offences and the case is expected to be contested.

The trial is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Crime

Pembroke man accused of child sex offences sent to Swansea Crown Court

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant indicates intention to plead guilty as magistrates rule case too serious for local sentencing

A PEMBROKE man has been sent to the Crown Court after indicating he intends to plead guilty to a series of serious child sex offences.

David Lewis, aged 42, of Ashdale Lane, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jan 30).

Lewis indicated guilty pleas to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite a female child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. A further charge of attempting to cause a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity was also put to him.

The offences relate to online and electronic communication.

Magistrates said the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and committed Lewis to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was granted conditional bail ahead of his next court appearance.

Crime

Disqualified HGV driver charged after dangerous A40 incident

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lorry seen on wrong side of road before multi-force stop

A DISQUALIFIED driver has been charged after an HGV was reportedly driven erratically along the A40 between Narberth and St Clears in the early hours of Thursday (Jan 29).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that 22-year-old Tajinder Singh, of Tudor Road, Southall, has been charged with driving whilst disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road without insurance.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Jan 30).

The incident began when an off-duty police officer reported seeing the heavy goods vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the carriageway on multiple occasions, raising serious concerns for the safety of other road users.

Roads Policing Unit officers carried out immediate checks and traced the vehicle travelling eastbound along the A48 between Carmarthen and Cross Hands.

Specialist Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) tactics were authorised, with support requested from South Wales Police and the National Police Air Service due to the scale of the risk and the vehicle’s route.

The lorry was kept under constant observation as it continued along the A48 and onto the M4 before eventually stopping at an industrial estate in the Fforestfach area of Swansea.

Officers detained the driver at the scene. The vehicle was seized under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said officers will continue to take action against dangerous driving.