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
Drink-driver ‘in blind panic’ to escape Haverfordwest pub
A CONSTRUCTION supervisor was so desperate to flee an alleged attacker who had accosted him inside a Haverfordwest pub that he drove his car from the pub car park despite being over the drink-drive limit.
This week Haverfordwest court heard how Gary Newell drove his black Kia Ceed out of The Bull Inn car park in Prendergast with the passenger door open. As he proceeded to drive down Church Lane, he was seen to collide with several vehicles, including a Nisson, a Vauxhall Insignia and a Ford transit van.
“He then abandoned the scene and fled,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“Police received multiple calls in relation to his driving and to the fact that he’d collided with other vehicles.”
Officers eventually tracked Newell, 35, down to St David’s Church where he was arrested and charged with drink-driving.
Newell, of Linnet Close, Bristol, pleaded guilty to a charge.
“There was an incident inside the pub and a person followed the defendant out and tried to get into his car,” said his solicitor, Michael Kelleher. “He’d already received cuts and bruises and was in a blind panic to get away from the situation.”
Mr Kelleher said that Newell was subsequently taken by officers to Withybush Hospital where he received treatment for his injuries.
“He remained on a drip and was put on temazepam,” added Mr Kelleher.
“After this incident he moved away to Bristol to get away from the problems here.”
Mr Kelleher said that Newell is currently employed as a supervisor for a construction firm.
Newell was disqualified from driving for a total of 14 months. He was fined £800 and ordered to pay a £320 surcharge and £85 costs.
Crime
Mother-of-two drove on cocaine despite drug-drive ban
A MOTHER-of-two who ‘took a chance’ by driving on cocaine despite being disqualified for a previous drug-drive conviction has been ordered off the roads for four years.
Appearing before Haverfordwest magistrates this week was 42-year-old Donna Jones who pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle when she was over the specified drug limit on cocaine and the cocaine derivative, benzoylecgonine.
She admitted additional charges of driving whilst disqualified and of using a vehicle without third party insurance.
Police officers saw Jones driving a Renault Clio through Narberth just before 11pm on November 10, 2023. When they stopped the vehicle, they noticed a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the interior of the car.
“Checks carried out by the officers showed that the defendant had been disqualified from driving until April 2025,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker.
“Her previous convictions took place in 2018 and 2022.”
Meanwhile probation officer Julie Norman told the magistrates that on November 10, Jones had travelled to Pembrokeshire from her home in Belvedere Avenue, Carmarthen, to attend her god-daughter’s funeral.
“After the funeral she went back to the family home in Preseli and although she wasn’t drinking alcohol, she took some cocaine,” she said.
“She then drove back from Preseli to Carmarthen but she got lost and ended up in Narberth. That’s where the police found her. That day, she just took a chance.”
Jones was sentenced to 20 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. She must also carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, She was banned from driving for a total of 48 months and must pay a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.
Crime
Milford woman ’caused significant life-changing injuries to motorcyclist’
A MILFORD HAVEN woman has appeared before magistrates charged with causing what the Crown has described as ‘significant, life changing injuries’ to a motorcyclist.
Charlotte Harding, 38, is accused of causing serious injury by careless and inconsiderate driving following a road traffic accident in Steynton on January 29.
The Crown alleges that just after 5pm, Harding was driving through the Green Close road, Steynton, when she collided with a Honda motorbike that was being driven by Mr Sean Luby.
“This was a very serious accident,” Crown Prosecutor Llinda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“Mr Luby was riding his bike back along the major A4076 at Steynton Road, which is subject to a 40 mph speed limit. As he entered the junction, Charlotte Harding turned right but failed to give way, resulting in her collision with Mr Luby.”
Ms Baker went on to say that as a result of the collision, Mr Luby sustained rib fractures, a collapsed lung, facial fractures and a bleed to the brain.
She requested that magistrates decline jurisdiction in the matter.
“Your powers are not sufficient,” she said.
Magistrates granted the Crown’s request and the matter will now proceed at Swansea Crown Court on June 14. No pleas were entered by the defendant.
Charlotte Harding, of Murray Road, Milford Haven, was released on unconditional bail.
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