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Crime

Opportunist thief jailed for Carmarthenshire handbag robbery

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JAKE DIGHTON, 31, of Bridge Street, Llanelli, has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison after admitting to snatching a woman’s handbag as she walked home after a work’s night out in Llanelli.

Describing the incident that happened late on Friday 20 June, the victim explained how she noticed a shadow appear over her left shoulder as she walked home with colleagues along Glenalla Road.

She recalled thinking the shadow was just a passer-by, but then felt someone forcefully grab her handbag, causing her to fall to the ground.

Despite suffering cuts and bruises, she attempted to chase the suspect as he ran away with her handbag, but lost sight of him and made her way home.

A report was made to police who launched an investigation to identify the suspect. Thanks to CCTV in the local area, the suspect was identified as Jake Dighton who was swiftly arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The strength of evidence against Dighton led him to plead guilty to the charge when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday 25 July.

On Friday 5 December, he was sentenced to three years and three months for the offence.

The officer in this case, DC Rhydian Davies, said: “We welcome the sentencing of Jake Dighto. This was a traumatic incident for the victim who has been reliving the incident since that night.

“I’m hopeful that this sentencing will help the victim, who has struggled to go out in public since the ordeal, to continue her progress in returning to her ‘old self’.

“Dighton’s predatory behaviour is completely unacceptable, and no one should fear walking the streets of their hometown.

“The impact on the victim cannot be underestimated, and I commend her for her bravery and the strength with which she supported our investigation and the court proceedings that followed.

“It was evident that the incident had had an impact on the victim’s family too, and I’m grateful to her friends, family, and the wider Llanelli community for their support. The level of support shown clearly illustrates that this behaviour will not be tolerated on our streets.

“This was an excellent example of how several departments within Dyfed-Powys Police worked together to bring the perpetrator to justice. I extend special thanks to Llanelli’s Criminal Investigation Department, the Local Investigation Unit, our Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team, and our response colleagues.

“Thank you to the local community and wider public who responded to our appeal for information and for supporting our investigation.”

 

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

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MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).

 

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Crime

Llangadog man fined after breaching restraining order twice

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Court hears defendant contacted protected person despite ban

A LLANGADOG man has been fined £1,375 after twice breaching a restraining order by contacting a protected person he had been banned from approaching.

Adam Thomas Davies, 34, of Llangadog, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jun 15) for proceedings linked to an existing community order.

The court heard Davies had breached a restraining order on two separate occasions in June last year by contacting a person he had been prohibited from approaching under an order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court in November 2019.

Magistrates were told the original community order, imposed in August 2025, had become unworkable due to long-term physical health issues alongside Davies’ employment.

The court revoked the existing order and resentenced him for the original offences.

Davies was made subject to a new community order running until June 14, 2027. He must comply with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and attend appointments or activities as directed by probation services, for up to 15 days.

As a punitive element of the order, magistrates imposed a fine of £1,375.

The court heard the breaches related to unlawful contact made in Carmarthenshire despite the restrictions remaining in force.

Davies was ordered to pay the fine at a rate of £120 per month, starting from July 13.

 

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Crime

Road safety grant fund launched for community projects

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COMMUNITY groups, charities and local organisations across the Dyfed-Powys area are being invited to apply for funding for projects aimed at improving road safety.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has launched a new Road Safety Community Grant Fund to support local initiatives designed to reduce risks on the roads, raise awareness and encourage safer behaviour among drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The fund will support preventative projects led by communities, including education and awareness programmes, behaviour-change campaigns, road safety events, training and skills development, and evidence-led pilot schemes.

Applications will be assessed on their potential to improve road safety, provide value for money and deliver clear community benefits.

Mr Llywelyn said: “Keeping our communities safe on our roads is a fundamental part of our wider mission to protect the public and reduce harm.

“By investing in community-led initiatives, we are empowering local organisations to deliver practical, innovative solutions that improve road safety, change behaviours, and ultimately save lives.”

The fund forms part of the commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, which includes commitments to preventing harm, supporting safer communities and working in partnership on issues affecting local people.

Further details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, are available on the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.

The fund closes at 10:00pm on Sunday, July 19.

 

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