Crime

A watershed moment for the criminal justice system?

Published

12 months ago

February 18, 2025

THE FINDINGS of the Ministry of Justice’s Independent Sentencing Review Report could mark a turning point in the future of Britain’s criminal justice system, according to Nacro CEO Campbell Robb.

The report, published on Tuesday (Feb 18), argues that successive governments’ “tough on crime” stance has contributed to the ongoing prison overcrowding crisis, which has brought the system “to the brink of collapse.”

Prison overcrowding at crisis point

The UK’s prison population now exceeds 85,000, a figure the report describes as symptomatic of a justice system prioritising punishment over evidence-based intervention. According to Nacro, research shows that community-based sentencing and investment in support services are more effective at reducing reoffending, yet government policies have continued to rely on longer custodial sentences as a default response.

Robb said: “This is a pivotal moment for justice reform. If we’re truly committed to a fair and effective system, we must shift away from the illusion of quick fixes and tough sentences and focus on building a system that rehabilitates and reintegrates people.”

Decades of flawed policies

Chair of the Independent Sentencing Review, David Gauke, criticised the “haphazard policy making and underinvestment” that has plagued the justice system for decades.

“For too long politicians have operated in a vacuum, increasing sentencing for individual crimes without considering the knock-on impact on the wider system. It is time to accept this does not deliver justice for victims; it fails them,” he said.

Academics contributing to the report have identified the 1991 Criminal Justice Act as a key turning point in the shift towards “penal populism,” in which political pressure has led to increasingly severe sentencing policies. Measures such as mandatory minimum sentences, extended terms for specific offences, and recall policies have inflated the prison population, with little evidence that they contribute to crime reduction.

Is prison the right answer?

According to the review, those given custodial sentences have some of the highest reoffending rates, with overall reoffending for ex-prisoners standing at 37.2%. For offenders serving short sentences of under 12 months, this rises to 56.9%. By contrast, community sentences and rehabilitation orders have been shown to be more effective at reducing reoffending.

Gauke stressed the need for an “honest conversation” about sentencing, stating: “Punishment will always be a central aim of the criminal justice system, but it is not the only aim; and prison is not the only form of punishment.”

Alongside the trend of longer sentences, the growing use of recall has significantly increased the prison population. In 1993, fewer than 100 people were in prison due to recall; by the end of 2024, this number had risen to nearly 13,000.

The review notes that changes such as mandatory post-release supervision for short sentences, combined with a more risk-averse probation service, have fuelled this surge.

The Independent Sentencing Review will release its full proposals for reform in the spring, calling for a “system reset” that aligns with all five statutory aims of sentencing: punishment, crime reduction, reform and rehabilitation, public protection, and reparation.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

12 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Crime

Teacher assaulted by pupil with weapon at Milford Haven school

Published

18 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after lockdown triggered

A TEACHER was assaulted by a pupil brandishing a weapon at Milford Haven School on Tuesday afternoon (Feb 4), triggering an emergency lockdown and a major police response.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the school at around 3:20pm following reports that a member of staff had been attacked.

A lockdown was immediately implemented, with doors secured and pupils and staff told to remain inside classrooms and offices while the situation was dealt with.

Most pupils had already left at the end of the school day, but some remained on site for after-school activities.

Police confirmed that the injured teacher’s wounds are not believed to be stab injuries and they are currently receiving medical treatment.

Superintendent Chris Neve said: “We can confirm police are at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher by a pupil brandishing a weapon at the school at approx. 3.20pm.

“The teacher’s injury is not a stab injury. A lock down was implemented but has now been lifted. The teacher is receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

“All pupils at the location are safe, and most have gone home. Officers remain at the school.

“A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempt murder and is in police custody.”

Parents told The Herald they were alerted to the lockdown shortly after 3:00pm via messages and social media, with some describing staff and pupils being kept inside rooms for safety as a precaution.

The lockdown has since been lifted, but officers remain at the scene while enquiries continue.

There have been no reports of any injuries to pupils.

The Herald has also contacted Pembrokeshire County Council for further comment.

Photo caption: Police vehicles outside Ysgol Aberdaugleddau Milford Haven School following Tuesday afternoon’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Crime

Teacher injured and teenager arrested for attempted murder at Milford Haven School

Published

18 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lockdown triggered as pupil allegedly attacks staff member with weapon – boy, 15, held on suspicion of attempted murder

A TEACHER was injured and a 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an assault involving a weapon at Milford Haven School on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5).

Police were called to the school at around 3:20pm following reports that a pupil had assaulted a member of staff while brandishing a weapon on the premises.

An immediate lockdown was put in place across the campus, with doors secured and pupils and staff told to remain inside classrooms and offices while emergency services dealt with the situation.

Most pupils had already gone home at the end of the school day, but a number were still on site for after-school clubs and activities.

Several marked vehicles from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and officers remained at the scene into the evening while enquiries continued.

Police confirmed the injured teacher’s wounds are not believed to be stab injuries and that they are receiving medical treatment.

“The teacher’s injury is not a stab injury. A lockdown was implemented but has now been lifted. The teacher is receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

“All pupils at the location are safe, and most have gone home. Officers remain at the school.

“A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in police custody.”

Parents told The Herald they were alerted shortly after 3:00pm through school messages and social media. Some described staff and pupils being kept inside rooms as a precautionary safety measure.

Several parents said communication from the school was clear and timely, helping to reassure families while procedures were in place.

In a further statement, police added: “Police attended an incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School today at 3:20pm, following a report of the assault of a teacher by a pupil at the school. A lock down was implemented but has now been lifted. All pupils at the location are safe, and most have left the school. Police officers remain at the site. Any planned after-school events have been cancelled this evening.”

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called today (Thursday, 5 February) shortly after 3.20pm to a medical emergency at Milford Haven Comprehensive School.

“We sent one Advanced Paramedic Practitioner to the scene, and one patient was transported to hospital.”

There have been no reports of injuries to pupils.

The Herald has contacted Pembrokeshire County Council for further comment.

This is a developing story.

Photo caption: Police vehicles outside Ysgol Aberdaugleddau Milford Haven School following Thursday afternoon’s incident (Pics: Herald).

School already under special measures

Inspectors identified concerns including standards, leadership and the pace of improvement, with the school and the council required to implement an urgent action plan and accept additional oversight.

At the time, Pembrokeshire County Council said it was working closely with leaders to strengthen support for pupils and staff and drive improvements across the site.

There is no indication that Thursday’s assault is directly connected to the inspection outcome. However, the incident is likely to heighten focus on safeguarding, behaviour management and the level of support available within the school community.

Lockdowns and precautionary responses rare but not unprecedented

SERIOUS incidents requiring lockdown procedures in Pembrokeshire and neighbouring counties remain uncommon, but schools across west Wales have faced a small number of precautionary responses in recent years.

Most have involved reports of suspicious behaviour, fights or concerns about potential weapons, with schools acting quickly to secure buildings while police assess the risk.

Education leaders say lockdowns are now standard safeguarding practice and are designed to protect pupils and staff rather than indicate confirmed danger.

In several recent cases locally, schools have temporarily restricted movement or kept pupils indoors following reports made to staff, with police later confirming there was no ongoing threat.

Headteachers are increasingly trained to use “lockdown” or “stay put” procedures in the same way as fire drills — as a precaution while facts are established.

Teaching unions and councils have previously stressed that serious violence inside schools is still extremely rare, but say clear procedures help prevent panic and ensure pupils remain safe.

Police also routinely work with schools on prevention, including liaison officers, safeguarding talks and education around weapons and youth violence.

Thursday’s incident at Milford Haven is therefore likely to be treated as an isolated criminal matter rather than a wider threat to other schools.

However, it will inevitably prompt renewed discussion around behaviour, support services and safety measures for staff and pupils across the region.