Crime
Dyfed-Powys Police officers share what it’s like to work on Christmas Day
TUCKING into turkey, enjoying a festive tipple, and spending precious time with family and friends is a Christmas routine familiar to many. But for some, Christmas Day looks very different as they don helmets, radios, or headsets to keep communities safe.
Here are three Dyfed-Powys Police officers and staff who will be on duty this festive season.
Dog handler PC Hannah Jones

PC Hannah Jones, based in Carmarthenshire, will spend her first Christmas as a dog handler alongside her three-year-old police dog, Rogue.
Hannah, who has worked in the force for six years, previously spent Christmas on response duties in Llanelli. This year, she will work a 7:00am to 2:00pm shift.
She said: “I don’t mind working Christmas; there’s always good team spirit. I don’t have children, so if I can help others, I will. When I was in Llanelli, our sergeant brought us bacon sandwiches, and everyone brought in festive treats.”
Hannah explained that her shift will start at home with Rogue: “She’ll have a few extra treats – not too many in case she’s needed. The last thing we want is a sluggish dog!”
Reflecting on her work, she added: “You never know what Christmas Day will bring, from attending to vulnerable or missing people to domestics. It’s rewarding to know you can make a difference, especially if it’s someone’s worst Christmas.”
Inspector Geraint Griffith

Inspector Geraint Griffith, Force Incident Manager (FIM), will spend his last Christmas on duty before retiring in the new year – and celebrating his 54th birthday. He will coordinate incidents from the Force Communications Centre (FCC) during a 6:00pm to 6:00am shift.
This year is special, as he will work alongside his daughter Seren, who recently joined the team as a call handler.
He said: “I volunteered to work this year because Seren will be on her first Christmas shift. I’ll be bringing in her dinner – that’s my main role!”
Reflecting on his career, Geraint added: “I’ve worked more Christmases than I can remember. The incidents are often domestic abuse or violence, mainly fuelled by alcohol or family tensions. It can go from steady to busy very quickly.”
Despite the challenges, he noted the camaraderie: “Even on my 50th birthday, the team brought in a cake and banners. There’s always a good atmosphere.”
He concluded: “I’ve been lucky to see my children on Christmas Day over the years. Hopefully, my last shift will be a relatively calm one.”
Roads Policing Officer PC Gareth Evans

PC Gareth Evans, based in Brecon, will work a 7:00am to 4:00pm shift on Christmas Day, as he has done for many years.
He said: “Mornings are my preferred shift because I can still enjoy the rest of the festivities with family afterwards. I don’t have children, so I’m always happy to help those who do.”
Describing the day, he added: “The shift can range from being completely quiet to very busy. Road traffic collisions and domestic abuse tend to be the main incidents.”
Gareth noted the efforts to keep spirits high: “There’s usually a festive atmosphere, with teams cooking breakfast together or bringing in party food. We all make the most of it.”
After his shift, Gareth will join his wife and in-laws for a Christmas meal: “Working means I cut down on the calorie intake, so that’s a bonus!
Crime
Worcestershire man jailed after violent attack on woman in Tenby
Defendant was already serving a suspended sentence when serious assault took place
A WORCESTERSHIRE man has been jailed for more than two years after carrying out a serious assault on a woman in Tenby.
Lewis Thompson-Gill, 35, of Worcester Road, Little Witley, was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm following an incident in the seaside town on December 28 last year.
A jury found Thompson-Gill guilty after a trial, having rejected his not guilty plea to the charge that he unlawfully and maliciously caused the victim serious injury.
Swansea Crown Court heard that the offence was committed while Thompson-Gill was already subject to a suspended prison sentence imposed by Worcester Magistrates’ Court on May 6, 2025.
That earlier sentence related to two breaches of a non-molestation order.
Sentencing Thompson-Gill, Recorder Paul Lewis KC imposed a total prison term of two years and four months.
The sentence comprises 20 months’ imprisonment for the grievous bodily harm offence, together with the activation of an eight-month suspended sentence in full.
The court also ordered Thompson-Gill to pay a victim surcharge of £187, which must be paid within three months of his release from custody.
The assault took place in Tenby during the Christmas period and resulted in injuries serious enough to justify the grievous bodily harm charge.
Thompson-Gill will now serve his sentence in custody.
Caption:
Lewis Thompson-Gill was jailed for a total of two years and four months at Swansea Crown Court (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police)
Crime
Retired vicar jailed after child images found on laptop
Former Powys clergyman claimed he had “nothing else to do” when police discovered prohibited material during unannounced visit
A RETIRED vicar has been jailed after police discovered prohibited images of children on his laptop during an unannounced visit to his home.
Andrew Robinson, 77, of Talybont-on-Usk near Brecon, was already subject to strict monitoring after admitting child image offences in 2025.
The former clergyman had previously received a suspended prison sentence, was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order following his conviction for possessing indecent images of children.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police’s offender management unit carried out a surprise compliance visit to Robinson’s home on June 9, 2026, as part of routine checks on registered sex offenders.
During the visit, officers found an open laptop displaying animated sexual images involving children.
When challenged by officers, Robinson claimed he did not believe the material was illegal. Following his arrest, he reportedly told officers he had been viewing the images because he had “nothing else to do”.
Robinson was charged with possessing a prohibited image of a child and with breaching the terms of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Appearing before the courts the following day, he admitted both offences.
The breach activated the suspended prison sentence previously imposed on him. Robinson was jailed for a total of 12 months and 12 weeks and ordered to pay £187.
Detective Sergeant Paula Rutherford said the case demonstrated the importance of monitoring convicted sex offenders in the community.
She said: “The law is clear. Possessing this type of material is illegal, deeply concerning and contributes to the wider harm caused by child sexual exploitation.
“Some people wrongly believe there are no victims when animated images are involved, but viewing such material helps sustain demand for abusive content and can form part of a pathway towards more serious offending.
“The safeguarding of children and the protection of the public remain at the heart of our work. This sentence reflects the seriousness of Robinson’s actions and the effectiveness of proactive offender management.”
Robinson remains subject to notification requirements under sex offender legislation following his release from custody.
Crime
Drug trafficker must repay £33,000 after court rules he made nearly £500,000
A PEMBROKESHIRE drug trafficker jailed after a major cocaine and cannabis seizure has been ordered to repay more than £33,000.
Dean Evans, 44, returned to Swansea Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing after prosecutors sought to recover money made through his offending.
The court heard it had been agreed that Evans benefited from criminal conduct by £496,533.94. However, his available assets were calculated at £33,337.37.
Judge Catherine Richards made a confiscation order for that amount and gave Evans three months to pay. If he fails to do so, he faces a further year in prison.
Evans, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, is already serving an eight-year sentence after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.
He was caught after Dyfed-Powys Police’s Roads Policing Unit stopped his Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, at around 10:25am on January 2.
Officers searched the vehicle after Evans admitted they would find “stuff” inside.
They discovered around one kilogram of cocaine in a cardboard box in the boot, together with 5.4 kilograms of cannabis in a black bin bag. The cannabis had been split into ten vacuum-sealed bags.
Swansea Crown Court was previously told the drugs had a combined potential street value of up to £185,000, made up of around £125,000 of cocaine and cannabis worth up to £60,000.
A mobile phone seized from Evans revealed what prosecutors described as a “dealer’s list”, with dozens of names and sums believed to be owed. Messages also showed Evans directing dealers below him in the supply chain.
At the original sentencing hearing, the court was told Evans had 23 previous convictions for 62 offences, including rape and robbery. His previous drug matters had related only to possession.
Sarah John, mitigating, said he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had stayed out of trouble for a “fairly lengthy period”, with his last conviction in 2016.
Jailing Evans for eight years, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You are clearly a man with few criminal boundaries.
“You ensnared users and low-level drug dealers into debt, dragging them into a vicious circle of criminality.”
After sentencing, DC Phill Jones, of Pembrokeshire’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said illegal drugs brought misery to local communities and would not be tolerated.
He said: “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to any others who are tempted into the illegal drugs trade. You will get caught and you will go to prison.”
Photo caption: Drugs seized:
Dean Evans was caught with cocaine and cannabis worth up to £185,000 in his car (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police).
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