Crime

UK minister says devolution of probation ‘not a priority’

Published

11 months ago

July 15, 2025

Welsh calls for justice powers dismissed amid system ‘crisis’

A UK GOVERNMENT minister has told a Senedd committee that devolving control of probation and youth justice to Wales is “not a priority” – prompting criticism from Welsh politicians.

Prisons Minister Lord Timpson appeared before the Senedd’s equality and social justice committee on Monday (Jul 14), where he said the criminal justice system in England and Wales was under “huge pressures” and needed stability before any further reforms could be considered.

The Welsh government has long called for justice powers – including control of probation and youth justice – to be devolved. However, Lord Timpson’s remarks appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of that happening any time soon.

His comments were described as “very disappointing” by committee chair Jenny Rathbone MS, who said ministers in Cardiff had already begun preparing for the devolution of these services in good faith.

Former Welsh counsel general Mick Antoniw MS said there was now “volumes of evidence” to support transferring powers to Wales, and accused the UK government of dragging its feet.

“What you seem to be suggesting is that we’re going to keep looking at the evidence without ever making a proper decision,” Mr Antoniw told the minister during questioning.

Former Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price also challenged Lord Timpson directly, asking whether the UK government had effectively ruled out full devolution of justice powers. The minister replied: “I’m not ruling anything out, I’m not ruling anything in,” adding that his focus was on “sorting out the crisis in our justice system.”

The Welsh Labour government’s 2024 manifesto included a pledge to explore devolving probation, with the aim of making services more responsive to local needs. Youth justice devolution was also said to be under consideration as part of a wider strategic review.

Criminal justice is one of the few major policy areas not devolved to the Welsh government under the current constitutional settlement. Reports including one led by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown have previously recommended devolving these powers.

But after Monday’s session, MSs on the committee said Lord Timpson’s comments appeared to significantly dial back any expectations of imminent change.

“This evidence seemed to pour cold water on the realistic prospect of devolution that the Welsh government has been working towards,” Ms Rathbone said.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.