Crime

Senedd rejects call for child sex abuse inquiry, but agrees audit

Published

10 months ago

February 14, 2025

SENEDD Members rejected calls for a Wales-wide independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by so-called grooming gangs, supporting plans for an audit instead.

The Conservatives’ Altaf Hussain backed a campaign led by Emily Vaughn, not her real name, a victim of exploitation and trafficking, for an inquiry into the scale of the issue.

Aged 11, Emily was forced into trafficking drugs for a “county lines” gang then taken from her home in south Wales to Telford where she was continually sexually assaulted.

Mr Hussain told the Senedd: “Talking about her years of abuse and torture Emily said, ‘When I first reported what happened to me to the police, they did not help me. They did not even know what it was or understand what they were doing.’

“And sadly, we know from the UK independent inquiry that Emily’s story is far from unique. Girls and boys trafficked, abused and ignored by those supposed to protect them.”

While Senedd Members voted 34-13 against the Tory motion, Plaid Cymru’s amendment – which called for an all-Wales audit – was unanimously agreed.

Mr Hussain said Emily has criticised those seeking to “shut down” debate. “The more you talk about it, the more children at risk of being groomed can be saved,” she told him.

Pointing to her petition for a Wales-wide inquiry, he quoted Emily as saying: “Look at the map of the UK – do politicians think that grooming gangs stop when it comes to Wales? People who exploit children don’t care about borders.”

Labour’s Lee Waters intervened, criticising former Tory group leader Andrew RT Davies for “focusing specifically on the role of what he calls Pakistani men in grooming gangs”.

Mr Hussain stressed that grooming gangs are not limited to any one group, saying they come from all walks of life, races and religions.

Leading a debate on February 12, the shadow social justice secretary said: “The only way we can treat victims with compassion, deliver them justice and ensure no other child suffers in silence is to listen … and victims like Emily are shouting out for a Wales-wide inquiry.”

Plaid Cymru’s Sioned Williams urged Welsh ministers to implement the recommendations of Professor Alexis Jay’s 2022 independent UK inquiry “without any further delay”.

Plaid Cymru's shadow social justice minister, Sioned Williams — Plaid Cymru’s shadow social justice minister, Sioned Williams

Her party’s amendment advocated an all-Wales audit into the scale of nature of gang-based exploitation before considering whether to commission a further independent inquiry.

Ms Williams said: “Prof Jay has warned that another inquiry would delay justice for survivors and that must be the priority.”

She called for urgent action on specialist therapeutic support for child victims of sexual abuse, with long waiting lists and many parts of Wales having no services at all.

Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds, a social worker for 27 years, supported Plaid Cymru’s position, saying: “I don’t believe there should be an inquiry at this point. We’ve already had a very detailed inquiry.”

Jane Dodds MS, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

Raising concerns about language, she warned the term “grooming gangs” has been used and will continue to be used by the right to “whip up” outrage and fury.

Jane Hutt, the Welsh Government’s social justice secretary, told the Senedd: “I want to reinforce the importance of learning from and delivering on the recommendations of the comprehensive independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.”

Pledging to implement the six recommendations, Ms Hutt said ministers will soon consult on a new ten-year strategy for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse.

Jane Hutt, Trefnydd and chief whip — Jane Hutt, social justice secretary, Trefnydd and chief whip

She raised the role of a national audit which was commissioned by the UK Government in response to similar calls for an inquiry in Westminster.

Darren Millar, leader of the Conservative opposition, said: “Child sexual exploitation is one of the most heinous crimes imaginable. It not only robs children of their innocence but it causes a lifetime of trauma for victims, particularly when perpetrators go unpunished.”

Mr Millar added that listening to Emily’s experiences convinced him of the case for an independent Wales-wide inquiry to get to grips with the issue once and for all.

He said: “We know from the work by Prof Jay, that the only place that she looked at in Wales was Swansea and she found evidence of criminal gangs exploiting children for sex.

“What would have happened if she’d have looked in Cardiff, Newport, Bangor, Colwyn Bay or Wrexham? I suspect she may have found things there but they haven’t been looked at.

“Unfortunately, that’s why we do not know the extent of these problems across our country.”

Crime

Ex-Gwent police officer now living in Pembrokeshire cleared of corruption

Published

5 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Court Reporter

A FORMER police officer from Pembrokeshire has been found not guilty of corruption following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

Luke Silver, aged 34, formerly of Gwent Police, had denied three charges relating to the improper use of police power or privilege. The allegations centred on claims that he made sexually inappropriate and unwanted comments to two women he encountered while on duty.

Jurors heard that one allegation involved remarks allegedly made to a woman during a police interview, while other claims related to similar conduct during separate encounters. Mr Silver denied all wrongdoing throughout the proceedings.

After hearing the evidence, a jury acquitted him of all charges.

Despite the verdict, Gwent Police confirmed that Mr Silver is no longer a serving officer. The force said he was dismissed in April following an accelerated misconduct hearing that dealt with matters separate from the criminal case.

Reporting restrictions had previously been imposed on the misconduct proceedings to prevent any potential prejudice to the criminal trial. Those restrictions were lifted following the conclusion of the court case.

The misconduct panel found that Mr Silver had breached standards of professional behaviour on two occasions, relating to honesty and integrity, and conduct likely to bring discredit on the police service.

As a result, he has been placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing him from working for any police force in the future.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick McLain said Mr Silver was no longer employed by Gwent Police and stressed the force’s commitment to maintaining public trust.

He said the public rightly expects officers to uphold the highest standards of behaviour, adding that the force would continue to act decisively where conduct falls short.

Crime

Woman jailed for stealing £245,000 from Pembrokeshire charity

Published

8 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Court Reporter

Trustee abused position of trust, leaving organisation facing closures, job losses and tax debt

A WOMAN who abused her position at a Pembrokeshire-based charity to steal almost a quarter of a million pounds has been jailed for four years.

Liza Haines, 54, defrauded Sazani Associates, a not-for-profit organisation based in Pembroke, of £245,410.63 over a five-year period.

The charity delivers education and sustainable development programmes in Europe and Africa, working with communities in poorer regions.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Haines was both a trustee and operations manager at the organisation, placing her in a senior and trusted role with extensive financial responsibilities.

Emily Bennett, prosecuting, told the court that Haines was responsible for payroll, pensions and VAT returns, giving her direct access to the charity’s bank accounts.

Between 2018 and 2023, she systematically diverted funds for her own use.

When the fraud was uncovered, the charity’s accounts were found to be empty, leaving it unable to pay staff. Directors were forced to take out personal loans to cover wages.

The court heard that the financial damage caused by Haines’ actions led to job losses, the closure of offices in Carmarthen and Zanzibar, and the cancellation of several projects. The organisation was also left owing £93,000 to HM Revenue and Customs.

Dr Ian Clegg, a retired university lecturer and director of Sazani Associates, read a victim impact statement to the court.

He said the directors had been left “shocked and bewildered” by the betrayal, adding that Haines had been trusted to play an important role within the organisation.

Dr Clegg told the court that the directors had received threatening letters from creditors, causing serious professional and personal distress.

“This was a calculated deception,” he said, adding that the situation had taken both a physical and mental toll on those involved in running the charity.

Haines, of Clos Cilsaig, Dafen, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to fraud.

The court heard that she has a previous conviction for theft by employee dating back to 2007, when she stole around £7,000 while working as an administrator at St Mark’s Court Care Home in Swansea. She was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for eighteen months.

That conviction was not disclosed when she applied for her role at Sazani Associates.

Dyfed Llion Thomas, representing Haines, said her guilty plea amounted to significant mitigation and told the court she had shown genuine remorse. The court was also told that she has an elderly mother.

Sentencing her, Judge Paul Hobson said she had been fully aware of the risks of her actions but had ignored them out of greed.

“This organisation was a labour of love for those who built it,” he said.

He added: “Your work life was a sham. You knew the financial harm you were causing. The consequences of what you did have been devastating. You are an habitually dishonest individual.”

Haines was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

A proceeds of crime hearing is due to take place on April 23 next year.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi