News

Welsh Conservatives to force Senedd vote on grooming gangs inquiry

Published

1 year ago

February 5, 2025

CALLS FOR WALES-WIDE INVESTIGATION INTO CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES are set to force a vote in the Senedd next Wednesday (Feb 12) on commissioning a Wales-wide independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.

Campaigners and politicians have raised concerns that the full extent of the issue remains unknown, despite evidence of grooming gang activity across Wales.

Emily Vaughn, a campaigner who has spoken publicly about her experience of being trafficked and exploited in Wales, has launched a petition urging the Welsh Government to act.

She said: “I was a victim of sexual exploitation by grooming gangs, and I know this practice is more widespread than the authorities acknowledge. The Welsh Government should undertake an inquiry to establish the scale of the problem and support victims in Wales.”

‘NO STONE UNTURNED’

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS, speaking ahead of the debate, said: “There is clear and concerning evidence of the sexual exploitation of young girls by grooming gangs here in Wales, but what we don’t know is the full extent of the problem.

“We owe it to brave victims to leave no stone unturned in investigating this issue and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“Simply accepting assurances from the police and councils that grooming gangs are not operating in their areas is not good enough. Only a Wales-wide inquiry will ensure this issue gets the attention it deserves and that our children are protected from predatory behaviour.”

POLITICAL UNITY NEEDED

The motion, set to be debated in the Senedd, urges cross-party support for victims of abuse and calls on the Welsh Government to take decisive action.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Social Justice, Altaf Hussain MS, added:

“It is abundantly clear that more must be done to combat sexual violence, domestic abuse, and misogyny.

“We have a duty under international law to tackle sexual violence and support the boys and girls preyed upon by grooming gangs.

“Next week, I will open this vitally important debate, calling on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.”

The motion to be debated states:

“The Senedd calls on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.”

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

9 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge after series of offences in Haverfordwest

Published

11 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A YOUTH has been given a conditional discharge after admitting a series of offences in Haverfordwest, including assault, shop theft and interfering with motor vehicles.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offences took place over a number of days in December 2025.

The court was told that on Saturday (Dec 6), the youth assaulted another child by beating them during an incident in the town. On the same date, they also stole two cans of Red Bull worth £5.40 from Tesco.

Further offences were committed on Tuesday (Dec 9), when the youth interfered with multiple vehicles at a vehicle repair workshop at Havens Head Business Park, Milford Haven. The offences involved attempts to interfere with vehicles with the intention of theft.

The youth appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where guilty pleas were entered to all matters.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge for each offence, taking into account the early guilty pleas.

The court also ordered the youth to pay £100 in compensation to the victim of the assault and £5.40 in compensation to Tesco. No order for costs was made due to the financial circumstances involved.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Local Government

New mayor-elect announced for Haverfordwest

Published

14 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has confirmed its new Mayor-Elect, with Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner set to take on the role later this year.

In a statement, he said he was “honoured” to accept the nomination, describing it as a moment that will stay with him forever.

He also highlighted the significance of the appointment, saying he is set to become the town’s first mayor of colour and the youngest in a century.

The councillor said the role represents more than a personal achievement, adding that it reflects “progress, representation, and the power of community.”

His official mayor-making ceremony is expected to take place in May.