Crime

Teacher stabbed by pupil criticises school weapon scanner plans

Published

5 months ago

February 20, 2026

Victim says teachers should not be turned into “security guards” after Ammanford attack

A TEACHER who was stabbed multiple times by a pupil at a Carmarthenshire school has criticised proposals to introduce weapon scanners in classrooms, warning they risk shifting responsibility onto already overstretched staff.

Liz Hopkin was attacked by a teenage student at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Ammanford, in April 2024, in an incident that shocked communities across Wales.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Ms Hopkin said she does not believe scanners are “the answer” to preventing violence in schools and warned they could undermine relationships between teachers and pupils.

She said the focus should instead be on preventing young people from bringing weapons to school in the first place.

“This isn’t about preventing people bringing knives into school in the first place. This is just about detection,” she said.

“If by the time you’ve got the knife in school, you’ve missed so many opportunities prior to that to stopping that knife coming in in the first place.”

Ms Hopkin also warned that introducing scanning responsibilities could place teachers in unsafe and inappropriate situations.

“To stop putting the responsibility onto schools — we already have enough responsibility with less and less and less resources,” she said.

“You’re adding the role of security guard to teachers who are trying to build relationships with young people.”

Despite suffering serious injuries in the attack, she said she still did not believe scanners were the right approach.

“In my own head, as somebody who’s been right at that point where I’ve been stabbed — I was stabbed five times and feared that I would die — I still don’t think it’s a good idea,” she said.

The Welsh Government told the BBC that its work around weapons in schools forms part of a wider strategy to improve behaviour, with a strong emphasis on prevention rather than enforcement.

Officials said any decision to use scanners would be made by individual local authorities, and there is no expectation that teachers or school staff should carry out security duties.

Some councils have already trialled handheld scanners. Cardiff Council has supplied them to schools, but they are only used when there is a clear concern a pupil may be carrying a weapon.

The stabbing at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman led to renewed debate about school safety across Wales, including behaviour management, pupil support services, and funding pressures facing education.

Ms Hopkin added: “I would never ever suggest that anybody put themselves at risk to check. That’s not our role.”

(Image: BBC)

Crime

Greenacres confirms seized dogs are safe as investigation continues

Published

40 minutes ago

July 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Owner says she has done nothing wrong, but RSPCA says it cannot comment on ongoing enquiries

GREENACRES Rescue has confirmed that two dogs removed from a Milford Haven property earlier this year remain safe in its care while an investigation continues.

The Herald first reported in April that police had attended a property in the Precelly Place area following welfare concerns raised by neighbours.

At the time, Greenacres confirmed that two dogs had been admitted into its care and said it would be working with the local authority, police and RSPCA while enquiries were carried out.

The rescue has now issued a further update after renewed speculation on social media prompted a number of enquiries from concerned members of the public.

Greenacres said it had deliberately remained largely silent since the dogs first arrived in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and any potential legal proceedings.

With the permission of the RSPCA, the rescue said it was now able to provide a brief update to reassure those who had been worried about the animals’ welfare.

Greenacres confirmed that both dogs have remained safely in its care since the day after they were removed. During that time, they have received veterinary treatment, appropriate nutrition, rehabilitation and ongoing support from the rescue’s experienced team.

The charity said it understood public frustration that more information had not been shared sooner, but stressed that investigations involving alleged animal cruelty can be complex and may take considerable time to conclude.

Greenacres said: “As an independent, self-funded rescue, Greenacres Rescue has no greater legal powers than any other member of the public.

“Throughout every stage, the police and the RSPCA are required to act within the powers and procedures set out in the Animal Welfare Act.

“Whilst this can be frustrating for everyone involved, these legal processes are there for good reason and must be followed.”

The owner of the dogs has contacted The Herald and has asked us to report that she denies any wrongdoing. She says she has been told there will be no further action against her.

However, the RSPCA has said it is unable to discuss ongoing enquiries about specific individuals or what action may be taken.

A spokesperson said: “We’re grateful to people who report their concerns to us but we cannot comment any further as we are unable to discuss ongoing enquiries about specific individuals and what action may be taken.

“We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice a future investigation or could lead to us being fined.”

Greenacres has confirmed that the Belgian Malinois has now been legally surrendered into its care. The rescue is currently assessing the most appropriate long-term plan for her future.

However, she is not available for direct rehoming and will continue to undergo further behavioural assessment and rehabilitation. Greenacres said it is working with experienced specialists to ensure the best possible outcome for the dog.

The smaller crossbreed dog remains under seizure by the RSPCA and police and continues to form part of the ongoing investigation. Ownership has not yet been transferred, and Greenacres said that position is likely to remain unchanged until the investigation and any related legal process has concluded.

The rescue has also clarified that it has not been involved in the rescue or care of any cats or kittens believed to be connected to the property. Questions about those animals should be directed to the RSPCA.

Greenacres added that a lack of public updates should not be mistaken for a lack of action.

The rescue said: “Much of this work happens behind the scenes and, by its very nature, cannot be shared publicly whilst investigations remain active.

“Our priority will always be the welfare of the animals and ensuring that ongoing legal proceedings are not compromised.

“Please be assured that both dogs are safe, are receiving the care they need, and remain a priority for everyone involved.”

Greenacres thanked the public for their support, patience and understanding while the relevant authorities complete their investigation.

Crime

Tenby woman fined after permitting uninsured driver to use car in Pembroke Dock

Published

2 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TENBY woman has been fined after magistrates found she permitted an uninsured driver to use a car in Pembroke Dock.

Christy May Brown, aged 38, of Bush Terrace, Jameston, Tenby, was not present when her case was dealt with at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jul 8).

The court heard that on November 1, 2025, Brown permitted Robert Christopher to use a Vauxhall Astra, registration KW08 KRD, on Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock, when there was no insurance in force covering third-party risks.

The offence was proved in her absence.

Brown was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £48 victim services surcharge and £120 costs. Her driving record was endorsed with six penalty points.

Magistrates also dealt with a second matter, relating to Brown permitting Christopher to drive the same vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a driving licence. The court heard that he was a provisional licence holder, driving unaccompanied by a qualified passenger, and that no L-plates were displayed on the vehicle.

That offence was also proved in absence, but no separate penalty was imposed.

The court made a collection order and Brown was ordered to pay the £288 balance at £24 per month from August 5.

The case had earlier been reopened under section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, with a sentence imposed on May 20, 2026 set aside and a previous licence endorsement removed.

Crime

Disqualified Audi driver who evaded police given suspended jail term

Published

2 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A LLANGENNECH man who drove an Audi S5 dangerously while disqualified and uninsured has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Ashley Bowen, 35, of Dan y Cwar, Nant y Gro, Llangennech, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jul 9).

He admitted driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance. He also indicated a guilty plea to dangerous driving.

The offences took place in Llanelli on July 2.

The court heard Bowen drove the Audi S5 dangerously on Troserch Road. He was also found to have driven the vehicle on Maes yr Dderwen while disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence, and without a valid insurance policy.

Magistrates recorded that the dangerous driving was aggravated by Bowen’s previous record, the fact he was evading police, and that other driving offences were committed at the same time.

Bowen was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, for the dangerous driving offence. He was also given a three-month concurrent suspended sentence for driving while disqualified.

He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and up to 15 rehabilitation activity days.

Bowen was disqualified from driving for 40 months and must pass an extended test before being allowed back on the road.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £187 surcharge.