Crime

School lockdown lifted after telephone threat as police continue enquiries

Published

2 months ago

March 2, 2026

PUPILS and staff at Maesydderwen Comprehensive School in Ystradgynlais were released safely on Monday afternoon (Mar 2) after a lockdown was implemented following a reported telephone threat.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were called to the school earlier in the day and worked with staff to ensure the safety of everyone on site. As a precaution, the school activated its lockdown procedure while enquiries were carried out.

Police said there were no reports of injuries and that all pupils and staff were safe and secure throughout the incident.

Officers remain at the scene while “diligent enquiries” into the threat continue. At this stage, no arrests have been made, and police have confirmed there is no evidence of any ongoing risk to pupils or staff.

Reassurance patrols will take place in the coming days to support pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.

Parents and guardians will continue to receive updates directly through the school messaging app, including confirmation on whether the school will open as normal on Tuesday.

Maesydderwen Comprehensive School is located in Ystradgynlais, Powys, and is served by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Crime

Pembroke Dock man accused of Tesco theft

Published

12 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant due back before Haverfordwest magistrates next month over alleged shoplifting offence

A MAN from Pembroke Dock is due to appear again before magistrates in connection with an alleged shop theft in Haverfordwest.

John Bendall, aged 29, of Pier House, Pier Road, Pembroke Dock, is charged with stealing items worth £155 from Tesco on October 4, 2025.

The allegation, brought under the Theft Act 1968, was listed before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Apr 16) for a first hearing.

No plea was entered and the case was adjourned.

Bendall was ordered to attend Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court again on May 5, 2026, at 10:00am for a plea hearing in Courtroom 1.

Crime

Man guilty of breaching restraining order over online reference to woman

Published

12 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Court Reporter

Broad Haven defendant fined after court finds internet post referred by necessary inference to protected person

A MAN from Broad Haven has been convicted of breaching a restraining order after making an online reference to a woman he had been banned from mentioning.

Thomas Jones, aged 35, of Croft Road, Broad Haven, appeared for trial before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Apr 16).

The court heard that on February 28, 2026, Jones entered data on the internet which referred, by necessary inference to the female. He had been prohibited from doing so under a restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on May 6, 2025.

Jones denied the allegation when the case was heard, but magistrates found him guilty following trial.

The bench, made up of Mrs H Lewis, Mr A Allison and Mr D England, fined Jones £300.

He was also ordered to pay £650 in prosecution costs.

A victim personal statement from the woman was read to the court by the prosecutor.

Crime

Son charged after mother’s body found in chest freezer

Published

12 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Porthcawl pensioner, 89, was discovered after GP raised concerns and asked police to carry out welfare check

A MAN has been charged after the body of his 89-year-old mother was found in a chest freezer at her home in Porthcawl.

South Wales Police discovered the remains of Sylvia Phillips at a property in Poplar Crescent on Monday, February 17, after her GP asked officers to carry out a welfare check.

An inquest at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard that the cause of her death is still awaiting further investigation.

Her son, Christopher Phillips, 60, of Porthcawl, has been charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial. He also faces a charge of fraud by false representation.

Phillips has been remanded in custody and was due to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday (Apr 16).

The hearing was told that a post-mortem examination was carried out on March 2 by Dr Stephen Leadbetter at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Senior Coroner for South Wales Central, Graeme Hughes, adjourned the inquest while further enquiries are carried out.

The court also heard that Sylvia Phillips’ family had requested a cremation certificate, which was granted by the coroner.