News

Dyfed-Powys Police created “fake crime” to remove man’s firearms licence

Published

4 years ago

August 5, 2022

Cerys Lafferty

Steve Mantle

DYFED-POWYS Police have recently come under fire for allegedly recording non-existent crimes.

67-year-old Steve Mantle of Port Lion, near Llangwm, reached out to the Herald with concerns about Dyfed-Powys Police.

After seeing a previous Herald article, Mr Mantle shared his own difficulties with the police force and a blemish on his criminal record despite never being charged with any offence.

Approximately two years ago, a familial dispute over money led to a complaint being made against Mr Mantle.

Both parties provided statements to the police and the Police took no further action.

Shortly after, Mr Mantle was told his firearm licence was being revoked due to his supposed criminal record.

He had the firearm licence in place so he could use a flare gun, if needed, on his sailing boat whilst at deeper sea levels.

The incident on his criminal record appeared five days after the initial report to Dyfed-Powys Police over which the force took no action.

All the official record states is “crime created”.

Mr Mantle attempted to find out what the crime is, as he has never been charged and has no criminal convictions.

He has written to the chief constable, Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

He claims he has either received no reply or been told that they are unable to investigate the incident.

Additionally, Mr Mantle has appealed the loss of his firearm licence, however due to the fact that this charge is on his file, he has lost his appeal.

Mr Mantle states he has been fighting this matter and tried to get clarification as to what he has been charged with for over two years and nobody within the police force or the governing bodies will give him an answer.

The Herald reached out to Dyfed-Powys Police in the hopes of obtaining some clarification for Mr Mantle.

They responded: “A formal complaint against Police in respect of this matter was received and the review of the complaint under the Police Reform Act 2002 by the Professional Standards Department was concluded and the outcome was formally communicated to the complainant along with their statutory appeal right to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The complainant exercised his appeal right to the IOPC who did not uphold the appeal.

“Following enquiries made after the arrest no further action was taken and the complainant was notified of this decision at the time. This position was also confirmed in the formal written response the complainant received as the outcome to his complaint.

“The review of his Firearms Certificate resulted in his certificate being revoked. This was a risk-based assessment which took account of a number of factors. The complainant exercised his legal right to appeal this decision at a hearing at Swansea Crown Court. The appeal was not upheld by an independent member of the judiciary who would have had full sight and knowledge of all matters relating to the case.

“The complainant is entitled to submit a Subject Access Request to the force asking for a copy of any records held in respect of himself on Dyfed Powys Police systems. A request can be submitted through the force website. He has been notified of this.

“There has been significant correspondence between the complainant and Dyfed-Powys Police and he has received a response to all matters he has raised with the force.”

Steve Mantle provided feedback to Dyfed-Powys Police’s statement. He said: “The response from D-P police was factually correct, but dishonest and misleading.

“The original incident DID result in a conclusion of No Further Action, (NFA), which I accepted as true at the time.

“But D-P police then proceeded to take further action by creating a fictitious crime to revoke my firearms licence and remove safety equipment from my yacht.”

He added that the question as to what crimes were created remains unanswered, and the crimes that were shown to the court are unrecorded elsewhere.

He commented: “Seeing as any criminal record results in the automatic revocation of any firearms licence, there is clear written evidence of a mistrial.”

He also says he is at a complete loss to understand why Dyfed-Powys Police are being so coy and secretive on the matter.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

5 minutes ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

10 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

10 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.