Award-winning PC spared dismissal despite panel ruling groin contact was deliberate

A DYFED-POWYS POLICE officer praised for saving a toddler’s life has kept her job despite being found to have deliberately touched a man’s groin during a night out.

PC Zoe Williams was handed a final written warning after a misconduct panel ruled her actions amounted to gross misconduct following an incident at the RAFA Club in St Davids over the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2024.

The off-duty officer had been drinking with friends before entering the club, where CCTV captured her making two deliberate movements towards a man’s groin and making contact at around 1:20am.

Williams denied the allegation, claiming any contact was accidental and to the man’s midriff. The panel rejected her account, finding the touching was intentional and sexual in nature, likely intended to show interest in the man.

It concluded she had breached standards of authority, respect and courtesy, as well as discreditable conduct. There was no evidence the man had consented to the contact, and the panel noted that a number of people present knew she was a police officer at the time.

Her culpability was assessed as medium to high, with the panel warning her behaviour had the potential to undermine public confidence in policing. Aggravating factors included sexual motivation, excessive alcohol consumption and breaches of multiple professional standards.

Despite the gross misconduct finding, the panel decided dismissal would be disproportionate.

In reaching that decision, it placed significant weight on Williams’ otherwise strong record — in particular an incident earlier that year when she helped save the life of a two-year-old child.

While off duty and walking her dog on a beach at Solva, she carried out prolonged CPR after the child collapsed and stopped breathing. The child survived, and Williams later received commendations from the Chief Constable and the High Sheriff.

The panel also considered a series of positive testimonials describing her as a capable and compassionate officer, and concluded the incident was out of character.

It ruled that a final written warning would be sufficient to mark the seriousness of the misconduct while allowing her to continue serving the public.

The decision is likely to prompt debate about consistency in police discipline, particularly in cases involving sexualised behaviour, and whether an officer found to have committed gross misconduct should remain in post.

Overnight closure planned for access road near Victoria Bridge roundabout

DRIVERS accessing Milford Haven railway station are being warned to expect delays this weekend due to planned overnight roadworks.

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that the unclassified access road leading to the station will be closed from its junction with Victoria Bridge roundabout.

The closure is scheduled to take place between midnight and 5:00am on Sunday (March 29) to allow work to be carried out on an electricity substation by National Grid.

While access to the station will be maintained, motorists are being advised that delays are likely.

There will be no official diversion route in place, as the road is not a through route.

Emergency service vehicles and those connected with the works will be exempt from the restriction. Access to nearby properties will be maintained where possible.

Pedestrian access to the station will remain unaffected throughout the closure.

The council has also confirmed that if the work is not completed within the planned five-hour window, the closure notice could remain in place for up to five days.

The Herald understands that there are typically no train services operating from Milford Haven station during the closure period.

Young woman, 23, from Ammanford remembered as “a miracle” following tragic collision near Rhayader

THE FAMILY of a young woman who died following a road traffic collision on the A470 have paid an emotional tribute to her life.

Ellé Claire Evans, aged 23, from Ammanford, died after the incident which occurred between Doldowlod and Rhayader at around 2:30pm on Tuesday (March 24).

In a statement released through police, her family described her as a “beautiful, amazing, intelligent” young woman whose loss has left them devastated.

They said: “Our beautiful, amazing, intelligent, miracle of a daughter, Ellé Claire Evans, was involved in a road traffic collision at 23 years of age and has now departed from this realm to spend eternity with her Lord & Saviour.

“Ellé gave her all to help those around her in every way she could and as a family, we are devastated at this loss.

“Ellé has always been a bright and shining light everywhere she has ever been and was very much the centre of every gathering.

“We as a family are still processing our loss, pain and sorrow, but also rejoicing in the gift we had in Ellé and the joy she brought to our hearts.

“We miss you already, we love you always and you’ll be in our hearts and memories forever.”

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone who saw the incident, or who may have dash-cam footage from the area at the time, is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, via email, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Quote reference: DP-20260324-197