News
Rape victims to be offered new support
VICTIMS of sexual assault and rape are to receive support at two new specialist facilities in rural Wales.
Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon has secured £121,000 in Government funding to create the rape crisis centres. They are due to open in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, and Newtown, Powys before next summer. Mr Salmon said: “Victims of rape and sexual assault are highly vulnerable; I am committed to providing improved facilities and care to support them. “These facilities will ensure that victims of these horrific crimes will not have to travel excessive distances to receive the support they need. “I’m delighted that we’ve secured this grant from the Ministry of Justice PCC Competed Fund.” The Dyfed-Powys Police force area, covering more than half of Wales, has one specialist Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Based in Carmarthen, it services the whole of the region. Mr Salmon, in partnership with Wales-based charity New Pathways, will use the grant to refurbish two premises used by Dyfed-Powys Police to create the Rural Satellite Rape Crisis Centres. Based at Newtown Police Station and a property in Bow Street, Aberystwyth, they will ensure that victims in Ceredigion and Powys have access to a local facility. Currently some victims can face a round journey of up to five hours. The centres will have a medical examination room and be supported by a New Pathways crisis worker. Mr Salmon said: “Victims will be able to access immediate specialist help. The services will have a significant effect on the psychological and physical wellbeing of victims. “Each person will have a full assessment of their needs, and the on-going support provided by New Pathways and Dyfed Powys Police will be tailored to the individual.” Dyfed-Powys Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “Victims of rape and sexual assault deserve the very best service and support. This funding will make an enormous difference to victims living in our rural communities. Specialist support for victims of rape and sexual assault will also assist us in bringing offenders to justice.” New Pathways Chief Executive Jackie Stamp said: “We’re delighted this funding has been granted to the Commissioner. “It’s vital these services are provided locally where they’re so badly needed. We’ll work with Dyfed Powys Police and Mr Salmon to ensure that people affected by rape or sexual abuse get the support they deserve.”
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.
Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.
The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
- Common assault
- Assault by beating
No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.
Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.
David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second count of assault
- Criminal damage
- An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
- A public order offence
Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.
Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.
During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.
Charges Include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Common assault on a woman
- Criminal damage in a domestic context
- Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
- Breach of bail conditions
Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.
Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.
No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.
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