Crime

Pembrokeshire Special Constable reflects on ‘vital role in tackling serious crime’

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

TEN years ago, Karen could not have imagined spending her days working in a marketing office and her evenings executing drug warrants with Dyfed-Powys Police.

Now, as she prepares to mark a decade of service as a Special Constable, Karen’s journey exemplifies how this distinctive role enables individuals to experience frontline policing while balancing a busy professional life.

Karen’s interest in the role was sparked when, a decade ago, she came across an article in a local newspaper detailing the thrilling experiences of another Special Constable. Enthralled by the challenges and excitement of policing, she took the leap and joined the Special Constabulary.

One of the aspects of the role that Karen enjoys most is taking part in search warrants. She explained, “The careful planning and coordination involved create a sense of anticipation and focus. I love being part of such organised operations, which for a police officer, can feel like stepping into an action movie.”

Karen recalls a particularly intense moment during a high-stakes drugs warrant when she discovered a sports bag stuffed with cash, neatly bound with elastic bands. This significant find eventually led to the criminal conviction of an individual for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

While there is undoubtedly a surface level of excitement in policing, Karen notes the deeper fulfilment that comes from knowing she is playing a key role in addressing serious crime, especially drug-related offences in her own community. “There’s a real satisfaction in knowing that you’re making a difference,” she said.

Becoming a Special Constable felt natural to Karen. As an outgoing and sociable individual, the role allowed her to make use of her strong interpersonal skills, and she has built lasting friendships, many of whom she met during her initial training and who are still serving in Dyfed-Powys today.

After two years of service, Karen was promoted to Sergeant, now leading a small team of Special Constables in Pembrokeshire. “The role is a stark contrast to my marketing career, which is mostly office-based,” Karen explained. “It has allowed me to engage directly with the community, meeting and talking with people from all walks of life.”

“It’s a challenging role that can often test your limits, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. If you’re looking to expand your skills, build confidence, and give something back to the community, there’s no career quite like it. I wholeheartedly recommend becoming a Special Constable. It truly offers the best of both worlds.”

For those interested in taking on a new challenge or exploring a life in uniform, Dyfed-Powys Police is currently accepting applications for Special Constables. Information on eligibility criteria, the application and recruitment process, and frequently asked questions can be found on their website.

Dyfed-Powys Police will also be holding an online recruitment event for prospective applicants:

30th September, 7pm – Online (via MS Teams).

Crime

Hakin man’s appeal delayed again as Crown Court seeks guidance on insurance law

Published

5 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A HAKIN man’s long-running legal battle over road traffic convictions has been delayed again after a judge granted the Crown Prosecution Service more time to review the latest legal guidance on motor insurance law.

Seventy-six-year-old Niall Taylor, of Haven Drive, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Jan 13) for a mention hearing in his appeal against conviction.

Taylor is challenging findings that he drove without a valid licence and without insurance.

The case has already followed an unusual procedural route. Taylor initially pleaded not guilty before changing his plea part-way through the original magistrates’ court trial. That later raised questions over whether the plea had been “equivocal”, prompting the court to reopen proceedings under Section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980.

A full rehearing was ordered, during which Taylor again entered not guilty pleas. Following a trial of the facts, magistrates found him guilty and sentenced him on Wednesday (Dec 3).

He has since lodged an appeal.

CPS given 28 days

During Tuesday’s hearing, His Honour Judge Walters granted counsel for the Crown Prosecution Service 28 days to review Wilkinson’s Road Traffic Offences (32nd Edition), the leading legal reference text used by courts and practitioners in road traffic cases.

The judge indicated that the legal position surrounding insurance cover may still require closer examination.

Addressing the court, Judge Walters said: “The court still might want to reconsider the sentence even if the insurance company is right. It does look as if different insurance companies do things in different ways.”

He added: “It is not in fact void, but it is voidable.”

Ongoing dispute

Taylor maintains that although there were administrative issues with his driving licence, a valid insurance policy was in force at the time and that, under retained European motor insurance law, third-party cover cannot simply be voided.

He argues that the matter amounts to a technical breach rather than deliberate offending.

Next hearing

The appeal is now scheduled to return to Swansea Crown Court on March 27, when further legal argument is expected.

Crime

Pembroke Dock woman admits breaching community order

Published

3 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates revoke sentence after missed appointments

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has admitted breaching the terms of a community order.

Shannon Charge, aged 30, of Pater Court, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

She admitted failing to attend a scheduled probation appointment and a drug dependency appointment.

Magistrates revoked the existing community order and ordered her to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the order related to earlier offences, for which she had been made subject to rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements. A further review hearing is listed for March 2.