Crime

UK minister says devolution of probation ‘not a priority’

Published

8 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

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

20 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

Crime

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

Published

40 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

42 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.