Crime
Police officer in court today charged with sexual assault by penetration
A DYFED-POWYS POLICE officer is appearing in Swansea Magistrates’ Court today (Mar 6) having been charged with the offence of sexual assault by penetration.
DC Sam Garside, based in the Ceredigion division, has been suspended from duties since July 2023 when it was reported that he had allegedly committed an offence while off duty in December 2021.
Senior investigating officer Huw Davies told this newspaper: “This is a serious allegation, and I recognise it will cause concern among our communities.
“I would like to give an assurance that swift action was taken when the allegation was made, and we now await the result of the criminal justice process.
“Legal proceedings are now underway, and it is important to avoid further commentary while this process takes place.”
In UK law, “sexual assault by penetration” is a criminal offense that falls under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. This offense involves intentionally penetrating the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person with a part of the body (such as a penis or finger) or with an object, without their consent.
Consent is a crucial element in such cases, and any sexual activity without clear and voluntary consent is considered a criminal act. The law recognises that individuals have the right to control their own bodies and engage in consensual sexual activities.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 categorizes various sexual offenses and establishes the legal framework for addressing such crimes.
The severity of penalties for sexual assault by penetration can vary depending on factors such as the degree of harm caused, the age of the victim, and any aggravating circumstances.
Legal consequences may include imprisonment, fines, and registration as a sex offender.
Reflecting on the news, Nathan Adams, criminal lawyer at Reeds Solicitors in Cardiff, comments: “Another day, another police officer in the dock and this time in Wales. The public could be forgiven for drawing on the conclusion that forces across the UK are more corrupt than ever.
“However, I disagree. Police forces in Wales, or across the UK more generally, are not more inherently dangerous than in times hone by. We are actually witnessing Professional Standards Departments within the various forces, come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, particularly after the recent well-publicised shortcomings and failures in the Sarah Everard case.
“Dyfed Powys Police Force will no doubt want to re-assure the public that they hold their officers to a higher standard of responsibility and ethics due to their position in Welsh society and by drawing attention to their efforts to remove any ‘bad apples’ risk alarming instead. There is a balance to be struck between this higher burden and the need to avoid a trial by media. All the facts and evidence must come to light, guaranteeing the absolute right to a fair trial by jury.”
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
Crime
Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis
Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation
A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.
The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.
Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.
During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.
He was sentenced to six years in prison.
The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Crime
Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations
Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing
A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.
Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).
The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.
It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.
Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.
The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.
Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.
The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.
Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.
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