Crime

Annual St David’s Day Conference puts spotlight on vulnerability of offenders

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2024

RECOGNISING vulnerability within offenders will be the focus at Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn’s annual St David’s Conference this year, which will take place on Friday 1^st of March at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters in Carmarthen.

Recognising vulnerability in offenders is essential for developing a more nuanced and effective approach to criminal justice according to PCC Llywelyn. Identifying and understanding vulnerabilities allows for targeted and effective interventions and will aid in reducing the risks of reoffending and victimisation.

By addressing the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behaviour, there is a better chance of breaking the cycle of reoffending and promoting long-term positive change.

***Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys Police***

The Conference will provide an insight into how a range of organisations and support services providers work to understand an offender’s vulnerabilities; how they identify situations where offenders may be at risk of victimisation within the criminal justice system; and how they support in putting appropriate safeguards in place to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn told The Herald: “It gives me great pleasure to host my eighth annual St David’s Day Conference, which this year will focus on recognising offender vulnerability.

“It is important to recognise that many offenders are often victims themselves, who might have possibly experienced crimes worse than their own. Additionally, a significant number of them suffer with mental health problems.

“Understanding these underlying factors is essential as we strive to find more compassionate and effective solutions. Sending individuals to prison isn’t always the better choice; instead, we must work collaboratively to develop interventions and support systems that address the root causes and contribute to rehabilitation.

“My conference this year will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss collaborative initiatives, raise awareness, and look at effective strategies that aim for a safer and more secure society.”

Guest speakers at the Conference include:

Michelle John, Director – PEGS Support
Recognising and responding to Child to Parent Abuse
Rebecca Zerk, Director of the Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice
Elize Freeman, Deputy Director of the Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice
Aberystwyth University
Older victims’ experiences of adult family abuse
Mike Wilkinson, Deputy Chief Executive, New Pathways
Responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviours displayed by victims of violence
Christina Line, Chief Operating Officer, The Nelson Trust & Gemma Humphreys, Women’s Criminal Justice Service Manager – Wales, The Nelson Trust
Female Offending Services and Women’s Centre Approach

This will be PCC Dafydd Llywelyn’s eighth annual St David’s Day Conference, with previous conferences focusing on Coercive Control (2017); Mental Health in Policing (2018); Cyber-Crime (2019); Rural Crime (2020), Victims (2021), Anti-Social Behaviour (2022), and Policing by Consent (2023).

The Conference will take place at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters in Carmarthen, while there will also be an opportunity for individuals to join online.

PCC Llywelyn concluded added: “I am looking forward to welcoming all to the conference this year as we consider how to respond to vulnerabilities within offenders, and developing a more nuanced and effective approach to criminal justice”.

Crime

Bomb hoax allegation lands Carmarthenshire man before court

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has appeared before magistrates accused of making a bomb hoax and assaulting police officers.

Anthony Mold, 38, of Sandy Road, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Mold is charged with communicating false information by alleging that a bomb or other explosive substance was present at Dafen Police Station.

The allegation relates to an incident on May 6 this year.

The defendant also faces charges of assaulting two police officers, damaging a police vehicle, and breaching a Community Protection Notice.

Court records show the damage charge relates to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.

Mold entered guilty pleas to the offences before the court.

District Judge M Layton remanded him in custody for the preparation of reports ahead of sentencing.

The case was adjourned until Thursday, July 2, when Mold is due to be sentenced at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Crime

Carmarthenshire pensioner, 86, accused of causing prostitution for gain

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

AN 86-YEAR-OLD Carmarthenshire pensioner has appeared before magistrates accused of causing or inciting prostitution for gain.

Hywel Charles, of Rhandirfelin, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Charles is charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 with intentionally causing or inciting another person to become a prostitute for, or in expectation of, gain for himself.

The allegation relates to an incident said to have taken place at Llanelli on October 9, 2025.

Complainant protected

The complainant in the case is protected by automatic anonymity under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.

Charles appeared before District Judge M Layton at a ground rules hearing.

He was represented by John Allchurch, of Goldstones Solicitors, while Nia James prosecuted for CPS Wales.

The defendant was remanded on conditional bail.

He must not contact a named person directly or indirectly.

Charles is due to appear again at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 6, for a further case management hearing.

Crime

Children most at risk in Dyfed-Powys TikTok-linked crime cases

Published

2 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOI data reveals forty-two under-18 victims as police record more than 130 incidents mentioning the platform

CHILDREN were the largest group of victims in Dyfed-Powys crimes where TikTok was mentioned, new Freedom of Information figures have revealed.

Data obtained by JF Law shows that Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 131 TikTok-linked violence, stalking and harassment offences between 2023 and 2025.

Of those, forty-two victims were under the age of eighteen.

Pembrokeshire recorded 32 incidents over the three-year period, with eight in 2023, thirteen in 2024 and eleven in 2025.

Across the force area, Carmarthenshire recorded the highest number of incidents, with 51. Powys recorded 29 and Ceredigion recorded thirteen.

Stalking and harassment made up the vast majority of the Dyfed-Powys cases, accounting for 128 of the 131 offences. Three were recorded as violence with injury.

Wales-wide concern

The figures were obtained through Freedom of Information requests covering Welsh police forces.

South Wales Police recorded the highest number, with 2,034 crimes where TikTok or Tik Tok was mentioned in police records between 2023 and 2025.

Those figures rose from 488 in 2023 to 656 in 2024 and 890 in 2025.

Gwent Police recorded 373 incidents, while North Wales Police recorded 199.

The North Wales data included cases of harassment, malicious communications, blackmail, sexual grooming, sexual activity involving a child under sixteen, exposure and voyeurism, and threats to kill.

Police forces stressed that the figures do not mean TikTok caused the crimes. The data relates to cases where the platform was mentioned in the modus operandi field or investigation summary.

‘Digital hunting ground’

Ellie Lamey, a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority specialist at JF Law, said: “The sheer volume of these cases is a stark warning to parents and authorities alike.

“We are seeing everyday platforms being weaponised by predators to target our youngest and most vulnerable, turning what should be a harmless online space into a digital hunting ground.

“The trauma inflicted by cyber-stalking, harassment, and online-facilitated abuse has profound, real-world consequences that can completely shatter a family’s sense of security.”

She added: “It is crucial that victims know there are concrete legal avenues available to fight back.

“Nobody should have to navigate this nightmare in silence, and we are committed to helping survivors secure the protection, justice, and support they need to move forward.”

JF Law provides legal support and advice to those affected by online harassment, abuse and related crimes. Their website is www.jflaw.co.uk.