Crime

New sexual assault referral centre hub to open in Aberystwyth

Published

7 months ago

October 10, 2025

A NEW Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) hub is preparing to officially open next week, with partners gathering today for a special open day to showcase the specialist support it will provide for victims and survivors of sexual violence across the Dyfed-Powys area.

The hub was built using capital funding from the Welsh Government, following a successful application by Hywel Dda University Health Board, who have also overseen the development of the new facility. The services delivered from the hub are jointly funded by NHS partners, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, and policing. It forms part of a wider partnership approach between criminal justice agencies, health services and third-sector organisations, aimed at ensuring that those affected by sexual violence receive the care, support and guidance they need.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn, who officially opened the new hub, said: “Ensuring that victims and survivors of sexual violence have access to the right services, at the right time, is a key priority for me as Police and Crime Commissioner. Nobody should ever feel alone after experiencing such a traumatic crime, and it is vital that specialist help is available to support people through recovery.

“One of my Police and Crime Plan priorities is to place victims and survivors at the heart of everything we do. The opening of this hub is a clear example of that commitment in action- making sure that people across the Dyfed-Powys area can access high-quality, compassionate support closer to home.

“I am proud that we have been able to provide funding towards this project, and that by working in partnership with health colleagues and specialist providers, we are improving the services available to some of the most vulnerable in our communities. The launch shows what we can achieve when we listen to victims and ensure their needs guide the way services are delivered.”

Lee Davies, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning said: “The opening of this new SARC hub in Aberystwyth represents a vital addition to the regional network of support for survivors of sexual violence. Through close collaboration with our partners in policing, advocacy, and specialist care, we are helping to ensure that individuals affected by these traumatic experiences can access services that are safe, accessible, compassionate, and tailored to their needs. The centre offers a confidential space where people can begin their journey of recovery with dignity and support, and we are gratefulto be able to contribute to a collaborative effort that brings this essential service to our region.”

Jackie Stamp, CEO of New Pathways said: “We are proud to be part of the launch of the new Sexual Assault Referral Centre hub in Aberystwyth, a vital step forward in ensuring that survivors of sexual violence across mid and west Wales have access to specialist, trauma-informed support closer to home.

At New Pathways, we have spent over three decades walking alongside survivors, and we know how important it is that services are client-led, accessible, compassionate, and tailored to individual needs. This new SARC hub will offer a safe and welcoming space for anyone affected by sexual violence, regardless of when the abuse occurred, and will provide access to crisis support, forensic medical services, advocacy through the criminal justice process and specialised counselling.

We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, the Police, Hywel Dda University Health Board and other key agencies through the Wales Sexual Assault Services Programme. Together, we are committed to ensuring that survivors are heard, believed, and supported every step of the way. “

Chief Constable Ifan Charles said:“Supporting survivors of sexual assault and abuse is a key priority. SARCs are a safe place, that provide free, specialist care and support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused, at any time in their life. Police interviews and forensic examinations can be undertaken privately, and specialist staff are trained to help survivors regardless of when or where the incident happened, and they will support the individual to make informed decisions about what they want to do next – but will never tell them what to do.

“They will listen to survivors and believe them, and they will be cared for in a place where they are safe. SARCs support people of all ages, whatever their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Please do not suffer in silence, you are not alone – help is available from a SARC without having to talk to the police or report what happened.

“The development of this new sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) hub in Aberystwyth is a huge step forward in the specialist support available to victims and survivors.”

The hub will raise awareness of the support available to victims and survivors and provide a safe and confidential environment where people can access medical care, forensic examination, counselling, and ongoing advocacy.

This investment also reflects the Commissioner’s commitment to putting victims and survivors at the heart of the 2025-2029 Police and Crime Plan priorities, ensuring their voices are heard and needs are met.

For more information and to access support, visit:
New Pathways Rape crisis and sexual abuse support services.
How to access support after a Sexual Assault (SARC) – Hywel Dda University Health Board

Crime

Two men bailed after Fleming Crescent burglary report

Published

15 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO men have been arrested following a reported burglary at a property in Haverfordwest.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers were called after a residential burglary was reported at Fleming Crescent on Sunday (Apr 26).

The incident is understood to have taken place sometime between 8:35pm and 11:55pm.

Residents reported seeing police tape and several police vehicles in the area at around 9:49pm.

A police spokesperson confirmed that two men, aged 25 and 28, both from Pembrokeshire, were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Both men have since been released on bail.

Crime

Pembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault

Published

2 days ago

April 29, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

WHEN a Fishguard mobile hairdresser was branded a chav in her local pub, she took umbrage by throwing a glass of gin at the woman who had spoken the words.

But this week Haverfordwest magistrates heard that when the glass shattered into the victim’s face, the woman sustained lacerations to her neck and chin.

Appearing before the Bench was 43-year-old Donna Thomas of White Lodge, Dyffryn, Goodwick, who pleaded guilty to assaulting Hannah Llewhelin, causing her actual bodily harm.

The court was told that Thomas arrived at The Royal Oak pub in Fishguard, at around 8pm on October 18, accompanied by her husband. Approximately an hour later, Hannah Llewhelin arrived.

“The defendant began speaking to the victim and an argument broke out,” said Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies.

“The defendant hit the victim to her face with a glass which smashed against her face, neck and skin, causing lacerations.”

Photographs of the lacerations were shown to the Bench.

But the probation service stressed that the assault had been prompted by a derogatory remark made to the defendant by Hannah Llewhelin.

“The defendant had had two drinks earlier that evening, she drank two more at the pub prior to the incident, and was tipsy but was aware of what was happening around her,” commented the probation officer.

“She went over to the table where the victim was sitting, her husband introduced her to the victim who he’d known since his school days, and they began discussing land on friendly terms. But the victim then laughed at the defendant’s job, which is a self-employed mobile hairdresser, and called her a chav.

“Without thinking, Donna Thomas went to throw the drink over the victim’s face but she knocked the glass. She didn’t intend to hurt her physically, but just wanted to throw the drink.”

Thomas was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody suspended for 18 months. During this time she must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. She was ordered to pay £750 compensation to Hannah Llewhelin, a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Farm worker overturns Mercedes when over drink-drive limit

Published

2 days ago

April 29, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A Pembrokeshire farm worker has lost his licence after overturning his Mercedes when he was over the drink-drive limit.

This week Haverfordwest magistrates were told that at around 3.40pm on January 10, police received reports that a black Mercedes had been involved in a single vehicle road collision on the A487 at Roch.

When officers arrived, they discovered the overturned Mercedes with its driver, Richard James, 45, trapped in the driving seat.

At around 5 pm James was arrested and transported to Withybush hospital where blood samples were carried out. These gave a reading of 112 mcg of alcohol, the legal limit being 80.

James, of Bryn Seion, Solva, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill who informed magistrates that the defendant had collected items for work on the afternoon in question.

“He’d consumed alcohol the night before and had also taken some prescribed medication,” she said. “He believed he would be safe to drive the following day, but obviously this wasn’t the case.”

Jess Hill added that James is expecting to lose his employment as a farm worker, as the mandatory driving ban will prevent him from driving the vehicles involved with his work.

James was disqualified from driving for 14 months and ordered to pay a £346 fine, a £138 court surcharge and £85 costs.