Crime
Labour Crime Commissioner candidate gets most votes in Pembrokeshire
The Pembrokeshire declaration of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner election just has been made by Deputy Returning Officer Steven Richards-Downes.
The results in Pembrokeshire are Justin Mark Griffiths (Lib Dem) 1,209; Ian Harrison 5,168 (Con); Dafydd Llywelyn 4,643 (Plaid) and Philippa Thompson (Lab) 5,386.
Therefore Philippa Thompson, of Labour, has had the most votes in Pembrokeshire.
Votes are also being counted in Powys, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Once all the votes are in we will know who is elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys Police.
Before the election Philippa Thompson told this newspaper: “There’s a huge crisis in funding for policing and public services. The Conservative Westminster Government has so much to answer for having destroyed our country’s economy. Labour believes security is the bedrock on which opportunities are built, communities thrive, and local economies prosper.
“Instead of standing up for security, the Tories have done the opposite. This wasn’t an accident – it was the result of deliberate choices. A choice to cut police from our streets, a choice to undermine respect for the rule of law. Our communities cannot afford more of the same. Things have got to change.
“Labour will be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.”
Crime
Woman, 70, admits causing death of baby in by dangerous driving
A 70-YEAR-OLD woman has pleaded guilty to causing the tragic death of an eight-month-old baby in a pram by dangerous driving outside a hospital in West Wales.
Bridget Carole Curtis admitted the charge at Swansea Crown Court, where she faced allegations of causing the death of baby Mabli Cariad Hall on 21 June last year. The incident occurred outside Withybush Hospital in Pembrokeshire, where Mabli was being pushed in her pram when a white BMW, driven by Curtis, struck the child near the hospital’s entrance.
Mabli was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and later transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she died four days later as a result of severe traumatic brain injuries.
During the court proceedings, Judge Geraint Walters disqualified Curtis from driving and ordered psychiatric and pre-sentence reports to be conducted ahead of her sentencing. Curtis, who had held a full, clean driving licence and had no prior convictions, voluntarily surrendered her licence following the incident.
John Dye, representing Curtis, informed the court of her deep remorse, stating: “She is absolutely devastated to be here.”
Mabli’s family, speaking through a statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, expressed the profound grief they continue to endure since the loss of their daughter. “This last year has been the most horrendous time of our lives. Our family life has been changed forever, and to this day we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened. Every day is a day of pain for us, even now, but as parents, we still have to give the love and support our other children need as they are still trying to come to terms with losing their baby sister.”
The family also extended their gratitude to the police and the 2Wish charity, which has provided them with vital support during this tragic period.
Curtis is set to appear at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on November 22.
Crime
Police make arrest following allegation of sexual assault in Milford Haven
SCENES of crime officers were at The Water Gardens in Milford Haven on Friday (Sept 20) following reports of a sexual assault.
Police said that they have the alleged assailant in custody.
A spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire herald in a statement: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a sexual assault which occurred at around 9pm on Thursday, September 19, in the vicinity of the Rath, Milford Haven.
“One person has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and remains in police custody. The victim is being supported by specialist officers.
“Residents will see an increased police presence in the area whilst the investigation continues.”
Crime
Four prison officers arrested following allegations of misconduct at HMP Parc
SOUTH WALES POLICE have confirmed they have arrested four prison officers this morning at HMP Parc Prison in Bridgend, which houses many inmates from Pembrokeshire, following reports of a series of misconduct incidents. The officers, a 23-year-old woman from Bridgend, a 45-year-old man from Pontycymer, a 25-year-old man from Merthyr, and a 35-year-old man from Llanelli, were detained on suspicion of assault and misconduct in public office.
Detective Chief Inspector Dean Taylor stated that the investigation is in its early stages, and officers are working closely with G4S, the private firm managing the prison. The arrests come after concerns were raised on Wednesday, September 18, regarding the conduct of prison staff. Investigations are ongoing.
This arrest occurs just one day after Welsh Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt announced that HMP Parc was “much more stable” following the appointment of a new director in June 2024. The minister’s comments were part of broader praise for recent management improvements in the facility, which has been under scrutiny following a spate of inmate deaths, including four related to drug misuse.
The prison, managed by G4S, has been facing increasing concerns over safety, staff shortages, and allegations of misconduct. Calls for greater oversight have intensified, with today’s arrests further spotlighting the challenges at the institution.
An HMP Parc spokesperson said: “The vast majority of our staff are hardworking and honest. We are absolutely committed to rooting out any wrongdoing. “We take these allegations very seriously and are fully supporting the police with their investigation.”
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