Crime

New sexual assault referral centre hub to open in Aberystwyth

Published

4 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

Milford Haven man fined after stealing five legs of lamb from Iceland

Published

1 minute ago

January 28, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sentenced for stealing five legs of lamb from an Iceland supermarket.

On October 3, Martin Back entered the Iceland store in Gravesend and stole five legs of lamb valued at £70.

This week he pleaded guilty to the theft offence when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. He was represented by solicitor Fenn Richards.

“He was leading a chaotic lifestyle at that time, being homeless and drinking,” she told District Judge Mark Layton. “But he’s now house-sharing in Milford Haven and works on a farm.”

Back, of Milton Crescent, Milford Haven, was fined £300 and ordered to pay £70 compensation to Iceland. He must also pay a £120 court surcharge and £80 in costs.

Crime

Pembrokeshire man avoids jail after assaulting Co-op staff during theft

Published

2 minutes ago

January 28, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Store workers punched and stamped on after challenging shoplifting, court hears

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence after assaulting three shop workers during a shoplifting incident at a Pembroke supermarket.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that Mark Abraham, aged 52, entered the Co-op store in Pembroke on Sunday (Dec 8) and selected an assortment of items valued at £46.16 before attempting to leave without paying.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told District Judge Mark Layton that Abraham was challenged by a member of staff as he exited the store.

“The defendant was approached by a member of staff who challenged him,” she said. “He then punched and stamped the staff member to the head several times.”

Two further members of staff, along with a detention officer, came to assist but were also punched by Abraham during the incident.

Abraham, of The Green, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to theft and three charges of common assault. He was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd.

Mr Lloyd told the court that his client had been fully cooperative with police and had shown genuine remorse.

“He has been completely forthcoming about everything that took place that day and is genuinely sorry for what he’s done,” he said. “He is now highly motivated to address his issues.”

District Judge Mark Layton sentenced Abraham to eighteen weeks in custody, suspended for eighteen months.

As part of the sentence, Abraham was ordered to complete twenty rehabilitation activity requirement days, wear an alcohol abstinence monitoring tag for nineteen days, and attend a nine-day drug review programme.

He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to each of the four victims, £46.16 compensation to the Co-op store, a £154 court surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.

In addition, a two-year restraining order was imposed, preventing Abraham from entering the Co-op store in Pembroke and from contacting any of the four victims.

Crime

Teenage driver banned after drink-drive crash near Narberth

Published

4 minutes ago

January 28, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Motorist was over the legal limit after watching rugby, court told

A TEENAGE motorist has been disqualified from driving after being involved in a collision while over the legal drink-driving limit.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that police were called to Cox Hill, Narberth, on the evening of Friday (Oct 25) following reports of a single-vehicle collision.

Officers attending the scene found a silver Peugeot being driven by Jake Leavitt, aged 18, with a male passenger also in the vehicle.

When spoken to by officers, Leavitt admitted he had been the driver and provided a positive roadside breath test. He was taken to hospital for examination following the collision, where a subsequent blood test revealed 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Leavitt, of Tymawr, Llangolman, pleaded guilty to the drink-driving offence. He was represented by Fenn Richards, who asked the court to take her client’s age and immaturity into account when passing sentence.

Ms Richards told District Judge Mark Layton that Leavitt had been watching a rugby match before driving home and believed he was not over the legal limit.

She said: “He hasn’t driven since the incident and is absolutely devastated to be losing his clean character today.”

The court was also told that Leavitt is currently studying to become an electrician at Pembrokeshire College.

Sentencing the defendant, District Judge Layton disqualified him from driving for twelve months and fined him £230. He was also ordered to pay a £92 court surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.

“It may be down to immaturity,” the judge said, “but you should be mature enough to understand that drink-driving is not the thing to do.”