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Crime

Mum’s effort to rebuild her and her children’s lives after leaving controlling partner

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  • Having courage to leave an abusive relationship can lead to a new life

A VICTIM of controlling and coercive behaviour has offered this advice to anyone living with domestic abuse as she works to rebuild her and her children’s lives.

She has bravely shared her experiences as part of Dyfed-Powys Police’s winter campaign, which aims to speak to people affected by domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, empowering them to report incidents, and offering means to find support.

For Sarah*, there were warning signs that something wasn’t right in her marriage. But like many others, she had been manipulated into believing her husband’s behaviour towards her was normal.

In reality, he was coercively controlling her. That means he was using threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse to harm, punish, or frighten her.

These are behaviours perpetrators use to isolate victims from support, deprive them of independence and control their everyday lives.
“What I’ve learned is that it doesn’t need to be extreme behaviour for it to have the effect it does,” Sarah said. “He never physically hurt me, but he is a very strong man, and I knew he could have.
“He controlled me, manipulated me, made me feel and look worthless in front of my children and family. I was gaslit and brainwashed, and living a deluded life.”

Sarah explained that one of her friends witnessed some behaviour that made her suspect it was abusive, and sent messages with links to places she could find support. This intervention prompted her to take action, and she fled the family home with her children
“My friend told me she thought it was domestic abuse and that it wouldn’t be long until I left him,” she said. “A few days later, we were out.
“I think I had known for some time, but I didn’t have the support of my family. If I did raise concerns I was told ‘oh it’s fine’ because they don’t see the emotional abuse. It’s partly because of the way I was brought up that I ended up with someone like him. I had to shut up and put up with it.
“But because somebody else validated it, it was like a light had been shone on the situation.”

After spending time in a women’s refuge, Sarah found a new home and is now rebuilding their lives.

However, as her ex-husband has contact with their children, she says she can never truly relax knowing he is still present in their lives.
“It’s hyper vigilance,” she said. “It’s emotionally and physically draining, and it’s not something you can sustain.
“It’s affected every area of my life. My finances, my housing, my emotional health, my children’s mental health, my work. Because of the brainwashing and the delusion, it’s taken me a long time to work out how to have safe relationships. Even with friends, it takes a long time to believe they truly want to spend time with me.

“You have to look for safe people – but you have to learn to trust yourself first. What he did to me was degrading and dehumanising. Looking back, I wonder how I could possibly have thought I could change him. The only person I could change was myself, and I’m doing that now.”

If any of Sarah’s story resonates with you, or you need to report domestic abuse, stalking or harassment, you can contact Dyfed-Powys Police in the following ways:
• Report online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
• Email: 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk
• Call: 101
• If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908
In an emergency, always call 999.
*If you feel you need support in contacting police, there are organisations that can help you. Click here to find them, or search online for Live Fear Free or Women’s Aid – both have free helplines available.

Crime

Police investigate alleged assault at Milford Haven property

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OFFICERS from Dyfed-Powys Police have been maintaining a presence at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.

The Herald understands that the front door of the property has been boarded up with plywood, prompting concern and speculation from local residents.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers have been undertaking scene preservation in relation to an investigation of assault.”

No further details have been released at this stage, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made.

Residents told The Herald they noticed police activity at the address earlier this week, with officers attending the property and cordoning off the area.

The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

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Crime

Newcastle Emlyn man admits to attempted murder of baby

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A MAN from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a baby.

Rhydian Jamieson, aged 28, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Apr 10), where he admitted to trying to kill the infant, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The offence took place at an address in Y Ferwig, near Cardigan, just before 10:15pm on Wednesday, January 15.

Police responded to reports concerning the welfare of a child, and the baby was taken straight to hospital.

Jamieson was arrested at the scene and later charged.

At an earlier hearing, concerns had been raised about whether he was fit to stand trial. A provisional date had been set for September 1, but this has now been cancelled following his guilty plea.

Judge Paul Thomas KC remanded Jamieson into custody and said he would be sentenced on May 27.

Caroline Rees KC appeared for the prosecution, with John Hipkin KC defending.

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Crime

Teen drug dealers admit handgun plot — Mercedes crash youth facing jail

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TWO teenagers have now fully admitted being involved in cocaine dealing and conspiring to obtain a handgun — including a youth who crashed a stolen Mercedes-Benz into a house in Milford Haven last year.

Harrison Billing, 18, of Jury Lane, Haverfordwest, and Danhiellen Raji, 18, of no fixed abode, appeared again at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Apr 4) for an adjourned plea and trial preparation hearing.

Billing had already admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine between January 14 and February 13 this year, as well as conspiring to possess a handgun without a firearms certificate. He also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine on February 12, and denied a charge of possessing a knife on the A477 in Pembrokeshire on the same day.

The court heard that the Crown Prosecution Service had now accepted his not guilty plea to the knife charge, and Judge Catherine Richards entered a formal not guilty verdict.

Raji, who had originally denied possession with intent to supply cocaine on February 12, changed his plea to guilty at the hearing. He had already admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and the firearm conspiracy, and had pleaded guilty to possessing a knife on the A477.

Prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton confirmed that no trial would be required for Raji or Billing, and that the Crown would proceed to sentencing.

The court was told that pre-sentence reports would be prepared for both defendants. Judge Richards warned Billing that he should expect an immediate custodial sentence. “He’s fully aware of that,” said his barrister, Dyfed Thomas.

Billing is known locally for a dramatic crash on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, in December 2024, when he ploughed a Mercedes-Benz into a house during a high-speed police pursuit. A large zombie knife was discovered on the road near the scene the following day and was later recovered by officers.

The pair’s co-defendants — Casey Gregory, 28, of Cromwell Heights, Milford Haven, and John Phillips, 36, of Pen Puffin, Steynton — continue to deny charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine and a lesser alternative of simple possession.

Phillips has admitted a separate charge of possessing cannabis.

Gregory and Phillips were re-admitted to bail, with their trial scheduled to begin on August 4. Billing and Raji remain remanded in custody and will be sentenced following the outcome of that trial.

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