Crime

Dyfed-Powys among best at charging for coercive control as law marks 10 years

Published

7 months ago

October 2, 2025

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has recorded the biggest rise in prosecutions for controlling and coercive behaviour as the offence reaches its tenth anniversary.

The law, introduced under the Serious Crime Act 2015, made patterns of intimidation, isolation and control a specific criminal offence. Since then, charge rates have generally increased year on year. But new analysis suggests that in the last financial year the national average has dipped.

Figures compiled by family law specialists Woolley & Co show Dyfed-Powys bucked the trend, with charges and summonses rising from 4.05% of cases in 2023/24 to 8.65% in 2024/25 – an increase of 4.6%. This was the sharpest improvement in England and Wales.

South Wales Police also made gains, with charging rates up from 10.11% to 11.16%. By contrast, several forces saw steep declines, with the City of London dropping to zero.

Uneven picture for families

While campaigners welcome higher charging rates, family law experts warn that survivors of coercive control still face inconsistent protection outside the criminal courts.

Solicitor Kathryn McTaggart, a director at Woolley & Co, said coercive control is now a frequent feature in divorce petitions, child arrangements and financial disputes.

She explained: “Clients often describe years of financial restriction, emotional manipulation or social isolation. Those behaviours don’t just stop when a relationship ends – they continue to affect how safe someone feels during separation, whether they can engage in mediation, and the whole tone of negotiations.”

McTaggart added that family courts apply guidance on abuse inconsistently, with some survivors feeling heard and others overlooked. In financial cases, she warned, coercive control rarely influences settlements, leaving victims with little recognition of the economic impact of abuse.

“Worryingly, some perpetrators continue their abuse through the court process itself, using delay or non-disclosure as tactics of control,” she said. “Without proper safeguards, what should be a protective system can become another arena in which victims feel trapped.”

Support available

Woolley & Co say the figures highlight a “postcode lottery” both in prosecutions and in family court outcomes. The firm offers confidential advice on protective orders, safety planning and support services for those affected.

Crime

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

Published

16 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

FAMILY WATCHED FROM PUBLIC GALLERY AS CASE SENT TO CROWN COURT

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with causing the death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer Tim Minett by dangerous driving.

Mr Minett was riding a Blood Bike Wales Honda motorcycle on the afternoon of July 2, 2025, when it was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Crafter van on the A478 between Glandycross and Blaenffos.

He had been transporting blood supplies for the NHS at the time.

This week the van’s driver, Roger King, 57, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with causing Mr Minett’s death by dangerous driving.

King stood in the dock to confirm his name, age and address as members of Mr Minett’s family watched from the public gallery.

Magistrates were told that, due to the seriousness of the allegation, the case can only be dealt with at the Crown Court.

Proceedings will continue at Swansea Crown Court on May 29.

King was released on unconditional bail until that date.c

Crime

Man breached restraining order by entering woman’s home

Published

16 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

COURT HEARS APPLICATION MADE TO DISCHARGE ORDER

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been sentenced after being found inside a woman’s home despite being banned from contacting her.

Peter Bromley, 51, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, was made subject to a restraining order by Haverfordwest magistrates on February 26.

The order prevented him from having any direct or indirect contact with Rhiannon Bowen.

But on April 8, police received a call claiming Bromley was present at Ms Bowen’s address in Fishguard.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that when officers arrived at the property, Ms Bowen initially denied that Bromley was there.

However, when officers gained access to the property, they found Bromley inside the kitchen.

This week Bromley pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order.

He was legally represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told magistrates that Ms Bowen had recently begun proceedings to have the restraining order removed and discharged.

“Considerable progress has been made by the defendant in various areas of his life,” said Mr Lloyd.

Bromley was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.

He must also complete a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Crime

Drink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop

Published

17 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

SENTENCE ADJOURNED FOR PROBATION REPORT

A 23-YEAR-old motorist has been given an interim driving ban after admitting he was over the drink-drive limit when he damaged a bicycle in a collision.

Ajay Mathias was driving his Ford Fiesta along the A478 at Allensbank on April 8 when he collided with the bicycle.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that subsequent breath tests showed Mathias had 44 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Mathias, of Min y Llan, Letterston, appeared before magistrates this week where he pleaded guilty to drink-driving and failing to stop after a road accident.

Sentencing was adjourned until April 30, when magistrates will consider a probation report.

Mathias was released on unconditional bail until that date.