News

Jail for man who threw firebombs onto neighbour’s drive following dispute

Published

5 years ago

March 28, 2021

a MAN has been handed a jail sentence after taking a dispute with his neighbours so far that he threw homemade firebombs onto their drive.

Francis Collins, of Clynderwen in Pembrokeshire, was charged with stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress, following an investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police into his part in a year-long civil dispute over the ownership of a piece of land.

The 35-year-old subjected a couple in a neighbouring property to a barrage of threatening emails which were sent anonymously – but which they strongly suspected came from Collins.

A Dyfed-Powys Police Detective Constable who led the investigation said: “The couple were bombarded with emails, suffered verbal abuse, and then the harassment and antisocial behaviour escalated further.

“In March 2020, the couple reported that some sort of explosive device had been thrown onto their drive during the night.

“Obviously this caused the couple a great deal of concern, and they immediately contacted police.”

Officers attended, and it was established that three devices had been thrown over the fence, with one exploding, one shattering and the third remaining intact.

The devices were examined for forensic evidence by specialist officers.

A search of Collins house resulted in glass jars similar to those used for the petrol bombs, chemicals and a book containing instructions on how to make a chemical fire bottle being found by officers.

Computer and mobile phones were examined by the force’s digital unit, showing internet searches relating to creating devices of this kind, and setting up anonymous email accounts.

The DC said: “During the investigation, support mechanisms were put in place for the victims to ensure their safety, while Collins also began to send a large number of emails criticising the nature of our enquiries.

“Officers remained professional and committed, and as a result of a thorough investigation, Collins was charged with stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress.”

Collins appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, March 22, where he pleaded guilty to the offence. He was handed a prison sentence of 425 days.

Due to the amount of time he had spent remanded in prison, Collins has now served his sentence.

An indefinite restraining order was also imposed, preventing him from contacting the victims.

“This was a lengthy and detailed investigation into Collins’ sustained attack against the victims, which saw his behaviour escalate over a number of months,” the DC said.

“The victims had moved to the area to enjoy a peaceful life in the countryside, and instead found themselves the targets of harassment.

“We hope the sentence imposed goes some way to bring comfort for the distress they have been caused over the past year, and reassures our communities that we take antisocial behaviour of this nature seriously.”

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

3 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

3 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.