Crime
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
POLICE remain at Ysgol Dyffryn Amman today, following an incident yesterday in which three people were injured, Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed on Thursday (Apr 25)
Officers will be at the school throughout the day as the CID-led investigation progresses.
A teenage girl remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Two teachers and a teenage pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds, which were not life-threatening. All three victims have now been discharged from hospital, having been treated for knife injuries.
Carmarthenshire Superintendent Ross Evans said: “As can be expected with an incident as serious as this, there will continue to be a police presence at the school throughout the day today.
“Officers at the scene will be looking for evidence to assist the investigation, while other specialist teams will analyse any information submitted through our dedicated web page.
“We understand the level of concern in the community as people try to process the incident. We urge anyone affected by yesterday’s events to seek support, and not to share any videos, photos or information that might cause further distress to pupils or parents at the school.
“We continue to work with Carmarthenshire County Council and other agencies as they provide support to those affected by yesterday’s events.”
Speaking on Wednesday evening, Superintendent Ross Evans said:“Dyfed-Powys Police continue to investigate the serious incident that took place at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire this morning.
“We received a call just after 11.20am advising us people were injured following an incident at the school.
“Emergency services immediately attended, and the school was locked down for the safety of everyone on the premises.
“Two teachers and a teenage pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Their injuries are not life threatening.
“A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody.
“A knife has been recovered as evidence.
“I am aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media and would ask that this is removed to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation, and to avoid further distress to those involved.
“I would also ask that people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing, and to refer to official channels for factual updates.
“Local people will see more police in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues.
“I would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has concluded, and pupils have now left the school.
“We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all those involved.
“This was a very distressing incident, and our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone impacted by what has happened.
“We have set up a dedicated portal, and anyone with information that could help us with our investigation is asked to report it through this link to help police manage the volume of information coming in to us.
“Lastly, I would like to thank the whole community for their support and patience while police, emergency services, Carmarthenshire County Council and the school work through this distressing incident today and over the coming days.”
Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police by calling 101.
Images: BBC News Hub
Crime
Arrest made following report of sexual assault in Haverfordwest
DETECTIVES in Haverfordwest are appealing for witnesses following a report of a sexual assault which occurred at approximately 10:00pm-11:30pm on Thursday (May 16) in the vicinity of Dew St, Haverfordwest.
A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
The police have asked that anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time and may have information that could help officers with enquiries, is asked to contact police.
Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference:427 of 16th
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crime
Four young Pembrokeshire men arrested on suspicion of rape
DETECTIVES looking into a serious allegation of rape and sexual assault that took place in Saundersfoot on Saturday (May 11) have made arrests, The Herald can confirm.
Four males, aged 22, 21, 20 and 19 were arrested on suspicion of rape. They have now been released pending further enquiries.
A police spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald on Thursday (May 16): “Dyfed Powys is investigating an allegation of rape and sexual assault that took place in Saundersfoot on May 11. The victim is being supported by specialist officers.
“Four men, aged 22, 21, 20 and 19 have been arrested on suspicion of rape. All four have been released on conditional bail pending further police enquiries.
Crime
Father must stay out of trouble be jailed, says judge
A FATHER who attacked his then-girlfriend in a violent outburst has been sentenced to a suspended prison term, with the warning that any further trouble will result in jail time.
Christopher Bendall, 33, of Great Eastern Terrace, Neyland, must remain law-abiding for the next 18 months or serve a 12-month prison sentence for two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 6 August 2022, when Bendall returned home after a night out. His then-girlfriend, who had also been out separately, entered his unlocked home at approximately 4.20am. Upon waking Bendall, she questioned him about messages from another woman found on his phone. The confrontation escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical altercation.
Bendall threw a footstool and the victim’s mobile phone at her, both of which missed. He then pushed her to the floor, dragged her by her hair, slapped her face, and dragged her into the hallway. The victim managed to escape by grabbing Bendall by his testicles, causing him to release her grip. She fled the property, taking Bendall’s mobile phone with her.
Following the assault, Bendall called 999, accusing the woman of attacking him. Police initially arrested her but released her after noticing her injuries, which included carpet burns, bruises, and redness. Bendall was then arrested.
The court heard that this was not the first assault. In May, Bendall had thrown his mobile phone at the woman, breaking her finger.
Bendall initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty to the two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Three other charges, including controlling or coercive behaviour, assault by beating, and strangulation, were dropped, and not guilty verdicts were formally entered for these counts.
In her victim impact statement, the woman revealed that she had been seeing a counsellor and was on anxiety medication following the assaults. She expressed that she still struggled to feel normal and feared going out alone.
Bendall’s defence highlighted that he was a father of three, a successful solar electrician, and previously of clean character. They noted that he was a good father, very involved with his children, and had well-paid employment. It was also stated that he had abstained from alcohol and had no further incidents since August 2022.
Judge Mr Recorder D Elias KC took into account Bendall’s plea, a pre-sentence report, and two character references. He acknowledged the psychological harm caused to the victim and described the injuries from the second assault as ‘nasty.’
Bendall was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to attend a Building Better Relationships course, undertake ten days of rehabilitation activity, and complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £1,500 in court costs and a £156 victim surcharge within six months.
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