News
Scam alert!
FARMERS are being urged to be cautious to a new twist on an old scam which has seen the farming community lose hundreds of thousands of pounds over the past two years. Farm businesses are being warned to remain extra vigilant to the increased risk of fraud as the Single Farm Payment (SFP) start to arrive from Monday December 1. The fraudsters are aware of the timing of the SFP as a lot of information as to who receives the payments is publicly available, including the amount paid.
From this criminals are able to target specific individuals. Members should look out for fraudsters calling and claiming to represent their bank or the police. Normally, the criminals will claim that fraud has been detected on the farmer’s business or personal account and that immediate action is required to remedy the situation. The victim is then convinced to hand over bank account details in order to transfer funds into a ‘safe account’ which is actually controlled by the fraudster.
Once the money is transferred, it is often very difficult to recover as funds are then quickly moved into other account. The banks and the Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA) have advised there are a number of simple rules that can be followed to reduce the chances of becoming a victim: Be wary of:
• Unsolicited approaches by phone
• Cold callers who suggest you hang up the phone and call them back, Fraudsters can keep your phone line open by not putting down the receiver at their end Your bank or the police will never:
• Phone you to ask for your 4 digit card PIN or your online banking password, even by tapping them into the telephone keypad • Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping
• Ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons, even if they say it is in your name • Send someone to your home to collect your cash, PIN, payment card or cheque book if you are a victim of fraud
• Ask you to purchase goods using your card and then hand them over for safe- keeping Never disclose your:
• Four digit card PIN to anyone, including the bank or police
• FULL password or online banking codes
• Personal details unless you are sure who you are talking to Remember:
• It takes two people to terminate a call
• If you feel something is suspicious or feel vulnerable, hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line, or where possible use a different phone line, then call your bank or card issuer on their advertised number to report the fraud • If you don’t have another telephone to use, call someone you know first to make sure the telephone line is free
• Your bank will also never ask you to check the number showing on your telephone display matches their registered telephone number. The display cannot be trusted, as the number showing can be altered by the caller
• Criminals may already have basic information about you in their possession (e.g. name, address, account details), so do not assume a caller is genuine because they have these details or because they claim to represent a legitimate organisation Any farmer who is concerned or suspicious should contact their bank in the first instance. More information on fraud prevention can be obtained from Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA UK).
Crime
Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub
Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday
DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).
An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.
Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).
The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
- Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.
Local Government
Mayor visits Milford Haven Library Christmas event
THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, paid a visit to Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning to attend its festive Mince Pie and a Cuppa event.
The event brought together library staff and local residents, with the Mayor thanking staff for their work supporting the community throughout the year. During the visit, Cllr Elliott also spent time speaking with residents who had come along to the event or were visiting the library to borrow books.
Milford Haven Library is part of the Pembrokeshire Libraries service, which provides access to books, information, and community activities across the county.
The Mayor wished residents a Merry Christmas at the close of his visit.
Crime
Milford Haven man jailed after drunken attack on partner and police officers
A MILFORD HAVEN man who launched a violent drunken assault on his partner before attacking two police officers has been jailed for three years and six months.
Alexander Campbell was sentenced on Wednesday (Dec 16) at Swansea Crown Court after admitting causing grievous bodily harm and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard that Campbell had been in a relationship with his partner, Miss Cox, for six years. On the night of the offence, he returned home highly intoxicated and became argumentative.

Prosecutor Rieve Nesbitt-Marr told the court that Miss Cox advised Campbell to go upstairs and sleep off the alcohol. Instead, he began poking her and told her not to tell him what to do.
Campbell then launched what Miss Cox described as “a flurry of punches that rained down on her.”
Neighbours contacted police after hearing the disturbance. When officers arrived, they found a smashed bowl on the floor and Miss Cox lying on the sofa under a blanket, covering her face.
Body-worn camera footage played in court showed Campbell threatening officers, telling them: “I will turn this place into a f***ing murder scene.”
As officers attempted to separate the parties, PC Thomas placed her arm out to create distance. Campbell grabbed her wrist with force, an assault captured on body-worn video.
He then attacked PC Jones, climbing on top of him and punching him repeatedly, again recorded on police body-worn footage.
PC Thomas later attended Withybush Hospital, where she received four stitches under local anaesthetic. Miss Cox suffered severe facial bruising, with one eye swollen almost shut.
The court was told that Miss Cox’s ten-year-old daughter was upstairs at the property during the incident.
Campbell has 27 previous offences. In mitigation, the court heard that he accepted alcohol turned him into a different person, telling the court: “I’m an ugly person when I drink. I’m a different person when I’m sober.”
Sentencing Campbell, the judge said he knew better than anyone how alcohol affected him.
“You came home in a bad mood and almost predictively, you assaulted her,” the judge said.
“The noise and aggression was such that the neighbour called the police.”
“You gave her a bruise on her face that can only be described as a large shiner.”
“In short, you have injured three people. Your conduct was utterly pathetic, like an overgrown child.”
The judge also referred to Campbell’s violent history, describing him as a “cowardly bully.”
While acknowledging that Campbell had previously complied well with a suspended sentence after removing his own alcohol tag, the judge said custody was unavoidable.
Campbell was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence.
Warning him about his future, the judge added: “If you carry on with this behaviour you will spend a lifetime in prison. The only person who can change this is you.”
The court also granted a restraining order for five years.
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