News

Support for domestic abuse victims using ‘counter terrorism policing approach’

Published

1 year ago

November 28, 2024

MORE than 100 domestic abuse victims in Carmarthenshire have received additional support thanks to the adoption of a policing approach developed in counter terrorism.

Dyfed-Powys Police has trialled using the ‘four Ps’ method during contact with victims of medium risk graded domestic incidents, resulting in a quarter of victims choosing to benefit from enhanced safeguarding measures.

During the six-month pilot, 455 medium risk domestic abuse incidents were recorded in Carmarthenshire, with each victim offered contact with a Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) officer. With those who accepted, a four Ps approach to engagement following the principles Prepare, Protect, Prevent and Pursue was carried out.

The pilot, which began in Llanelli and was extended to Carmarthen and Ammanford, has been so successful that it is now being rolled out forcewide.

Chief Inspector Steve Thomas said: “The four Ps policing method was developed in counter terrorism, so it might seem unusual to adopt this technique when working with victims of domestic abuse. However, the overall aim is to protect the victim from further harm and pursue the offender, which are both incredibly important elements in policing a crime type where sadly repeat offending is frequent.

“During the pilot, all victims of medium risk domestic-related incidents were given the option of engagement with an NPPT officer, who worked their way through the prepare, protect, prevent and pursue tactics.

“Within six months, 115 victims in just one division were provided with additional safeguarding and support. This means a quarter of the people affected by domestic abuse incidents graded as medium risk during this timeframe were able to be further protected.

“The new approach has had positive feedback from victims, who were grateful for the offer of additional engagement and support, and will be continued across the force.”

NPPT officers engaging with victims, worked through the four Ps as follows:

Prepare: This stage enables officers to work with the victim by assessing the circumstances of the domestic incident and establishing if it is suitable to contact them. If so, contact is made within a set timeframe, with consideration for earlier engagement – for example if a safeguarding kit is needed.

Protect: During the protect phase, officers consider what measures can be put in place to prevent further offending against the victim. The preferred action is for officers to meet with the victim in person to gather evidence.

Prevent: The third phase sees officers consider what measures can be put in place to prevent further offending against the victim. Officers can also put a patrol plan in place, or a plan to carry out bail checks over a number of weeks.

Pursue: The final stage looks at the opportunities to pursue the offender and bring them to justice. This could range from further arrests if additional offences are disclosed by the victim, to civil orders against the offender being progressed.

Chief Inspector Thomas added: “We are encouraged by the results of this pilot, and hope to see the number of victims accepting additional engagement rise as the new way of working is embedded and understood.”

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

26 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

50 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”