News

Commissioner defends policing levels in Dyfed Powys

Published

7 years ago

July 16, 2019

THE DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner has defended police numbers but confirmed work is underway to take an in-depth look at resources across the force area.

Dafydd Llywelyn was responding to a member of the public at this week’s meeting of the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel, who asked if he had plans to appoint additional police officers following an increased precept for police in the recent Council Tax setting.

Mr Llywelyn said police funding should not necessarily equate to police numbers, pointing out that there are more police officers and staff employed in Dyfed Powys now, than when he took over as Commissioner in 2016.

He was also keen to point out that the Dyfed Powys precept remained the lowest in Wales – the average Band D property contributes around £250 a year to policing currently, collected as part of Council Tax.

“The Chief Constable has more resources at his disposal now since when I came in to the force,” he said.

“I’m really pleased to state that Dyfed Powys police has not suffered the level of cuts that have been seen nationally.

“Since 2009-19, the average number of police officers has been 1145 – it stood at 1186 in 2009-10, prior to austerity, and was at its lowest in 2012-13, at 1103.

“The most recent figures for 2018-19 show that there are currently 1135 officers.

“But it isn’t all about police officer numbers – there were 1859 police officers and staff when I took over and there are 1930 now. Staff have a very important role in terms of digital policing and dealing with cyber enabled crime, and as investigators and analysts – it’s not just warranted officers.

“We also have 148 PCSOs forming part of the wider neighbourhood policing teams. A special grant from Welsh Government equates to half of the cost. The ratio at present is one PCSO to 10 warranted officers.”

Mr Llywelyn explained that a large proportion of this year’s precepts was to help the force take on the unexpected burden of pension contributions, passed on by the Treasury, adding a £4.2million bill to the force budget.

He, and his Chief Constable Mark Collins, explained particular issues around recruitment in the north of the force area, saying that a large piece of work is underway to look at demand and resources.

CC Collins said: “There are problems in north Powys. We have asked for volunteers to relocate, and have offered incentives. But there are five new recruits and a recruitment campaign is about to launch.

“An agile workforce and being able to flex our resources is what we are working towards. “We’re doing a complex piece of demand work to ensure we have the right resources, but I will point out that we are very healthy in terms of our response times and are still the safest place in England and Wales.”

The Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel is made up of representatives from the four counties of the force area.

It is the Panel’s duty to hold Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn to account.

The Panel meets at least four times a year, and can put questions to the Commissioner on behalf of members of the public.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

21 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

27 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

41 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.