Defendant indicates intention to plead guilty as magistrates rule case too serious for local sentencing

A PEMBROKE man has been sent to the Crown Court after indicating he intends to plead guilty to a series of serious child sex offences.

David Lewis, aged 42, of Ashdale Lane, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jan 30).

Lewis indicated guilty pleas to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite a female child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. A further charge of attempting to cause a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity was also put to him.

The offences relate to online and electronic communication.

Magistrates said the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and committed Lewis to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was granted conditional bail ahead of his next court appearance.

Lorry seen on wrong side of road before multi-force stop

A DISQUALIFIED driver has been charged after an HGV was reportedly driven erratically along the A40 between Narberth and St Clears in the early hours of Thursday (Jan 29).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that 22-year-old Tajinder Singh, of Tudor Road, Southall, has been charged with driving whilst disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road without insurance.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Jan 30).

The incident began when an off-duty police officer reported seeing the heavy goods vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the carriageway on multiple occasions, raising serious concerns for the safety of other road users.

Roads Policing Unit officers carried out immediate checks and traced the vehicle travelling eastbound along the A48 between Carmarthen and Cross Hands.

Specialist Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) tactics were authorised, with support requested from South Wales Police and the National Police Air Service due to the scale of the risk and the vehicle’s route.

The lorry was kept under constant observation as it continued along the A48 and onto the M4 before eventually stopping at an industrial estate in the Fforestfach area of Swansea.

Officers detained the driver at the scene. The vehicle was seized under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said officers will continue to take action against dangerous driving.

Anyone with concerns about unsafe or reckless driving is urged to report it to police.

Police say suspect known to victim as attempted murder investigation continues

A MAJOR police manhunt is under way after a woman was seriously injured in a stabbing at Carmarthen Park on Thursday afternoon (Jan 29).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident is being treated as attempted murder and officers are searching for a named male suspect who is known to the victim.

Emergency services were called to the popular town park shortly after 4:00pm, where the woman was found with stab wounds to her torso and hand. She was taken to hospital for treatment and is understood to be in a stable condition.

The attack happened in broad daylight in one of the town’s busiest public spaces, a park regularly used by families, joggers and visitors from across west Wales, including Pembrokeshire.

Officers say the assault was not random.

Detective Superintendent Anthony Evans, who is leading the investigation, said: “I wish to assure the local community that our officers are following all possible lines of enquiry to locate and arrest the suspect as quickly as possible.

“You will continue to see police in the areas around Picton Terrace, Carmarthen Park and other addresses as we investigate this appalling incident.

“Our enquiries so far have led us to understand that this was not a random attack, and that the suspect and victim were known to each other.”

Police activity remained visible on Friday (Jan 30), with cordons in place around parts of the park and nearby Picton Terrace. Specialist officers have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.

Residents reported an increased police presence throughout the day.

One local told The Herald: “It’s frightening to think something like this can happen here in the middle of the afternoon. It’s usually such a safe place.”

Although Carmarthenshire generally records lower crime levels than larger Welsh cities, incidents involving knives continue to be a concern for police across the region. Dyfed-Powys Police has repeatedly urged the public to report concerns early to help prevent serious violence.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in Carmarthen Park around 4:00pm on Thursday or who may have seen someone acting suspiciously or leaving the area quickly.

Information can be provided by calling 101, emailing [email protected], or contacting Dyfed-Powys Police via social media. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone affected by the incident can seek support through Victim Support Cymru or other local services.

The Herald will provide updates as the investigation develops.