A PROJECT by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) looking at previously closed cases where advances in forensic science could now provide new evidence about the identity of an offender has moved into its second phase.  

The CCRC announced in April this year that it was analysing closed cases involving rape or murder from before 1 January 2016, to see where advances in forensic technology might reveal important new opportunities. 

The Ministry of Justice has since provided extra funding of £250,000 to allow the CCRC to recruit staff to work on the project. This recruitment process is ongoing, with new staff expected to start early next year.  

In the first phase of the project 5,500 relevant cases were identified in which applications to the CCRC had been turned down. Not all these cases raised a dispute about the identity of the offender.  

This phase is now largely complete, and 1,247 cases have so far moved through to the second phase. There are around 300 cases which require further information to carry out the phase one assessment. 

Phase two work is being completed by investigators who aim to identify cases where there are fresh forensic opportunities which could impact the safety of a conviction. This could involve cases where DNA technology has advanced since the individual was convicted, and forensic opportunities could now potentially exclude that person as the offender. 

Since first announcing this project, phase two has expanded to involve more investigative work at this stage, before moving to phase three. This could potentially involve a level of forensic testing or establishing what materials are available. Cases will move to phase three if important new evidence is found. 

Currently there are no cases that have moved through to phase three. This phase will re-open the case, and a Case Review Manager will move the process forward preparing for a potential referral to an appellate court.  

The identities of those involved in these cases will not be disclosed.  

A CCRC spokesperson said: “This is a huge task which requires substantial resources, but we have made significant progress since first announcing that the project was underway. 

“The next stages could take a considerable time; we do have a dedicated team working on it, and this is expanding, but we must balance this work with our important existing case reviews. 

“We are pleased that we have been provided with funding to recruit extra staff to support this project, and this will help the project progress more efficiently.” 

PEMBROKESHIRE’S CRUCIAL CREW event returned earlier this month, delivering essential safety lessons to year six pupils from across the county.

Now in its 31st year, Wales’ longest-running Crucial Crew programme hosted nearly 1,300 children from 44 schools at Scolton Manor Park’s Barn – the event’s first time at this venue. The initiative, organised by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Team, is supported by South Hook LNG Terminal.

Since its inception in 1993, more than 40,000 Pembrokeshire schoolchildren have taken part in the interactive workshops designed to teach critical safety skills. Aimed at year six pupils, the programme continues to play a key role in preparing children for a safer future as they transition to secondary school.

Covering a wide range of everyday scenarios, the workshops provide guidance on water, fire, road, and rail safety, as well as school bus evacuation, electrical hazards, internet safety, and handling dogs. The programme also addresses serious topics such as domestic violence. Through these hands-on scenarios, children develop practical knowledge that can stay with them for life.

Hamad Al Samra, General Manager of South Hook LNG Terminal, expressed pride in supporting the initiative: “Having backed Crucial Crew for the past fifteen years, we are incredibly proud to continue our involvement in a programme that teaches our children such diverse and valuable safety skills. Our thanks to all the dedicated individuals from various agencies who make this event possible.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, echoed this sentiment: “Pembrokeshire County Council is proud to be a partner in this fantastic scheme, supporting our young people to be safer now and in the future. We are grateful for the commitment of everyone involved in delivering Crucial Crew.”

This year’s event featured contributions from key organisations, including:

• Pembrokeshire Domestic Abuse Services
• Road Safety and School Transport teams
• National Grid and Network Rail
• Welsh Ambulance Service
• Dyfed Powys Police
• Mid and West Wales Fire Service
• John Burns Foundation
• HM Coastguard and the RNLI

WALES AIR AMBULANCE has continued to benefit from being the chosen charity of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s president Adam Thorne.

Throughout the year the society has come together to raise much-needed funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Adam chose the Wales Air Ambulance Charity because of how valuable the service is to the rural and farming community in West Wales.

Following a successful harvest festival service and pre-Pembrokeshire County Show service, donations were made towards the charity of £1,400.

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery. 

This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident. 

As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care. 

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every ensure to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s fundraising journey will continue, with a carol concert on 16 December and a luncheon in February.

Mike May, the Charity’s Regional Fundraising Manager for West Wales said: “Firstly a huge thank you to President Adam Thorne for picking our Charity as Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s Charity of the Year. Thank you to everyone who has helped to raise the funds and will continue to assist with fundraising events for Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. 

“The Charity relies on donations, like these to be able to continue to provide our lifesaving service for the people of Wales. We hope the up and coming concert and luncheon is just as successful as their previous fundraisers.”