Crime
‘Lessons continue to be learnt’ after murder of Lola James
A MULTI-AGENCY review of the circumstances around the death of a Pembrokeshire toddler Lola James has been published yesterday (Thursday, August 1) with hopes an action plan will “ensure lessons continue to be learnt”.
Two-year-old Lola died in hospital four days after a “sustained and very violent attack” by Kyle Bevan in the early hours of July 17, 2020 at her home in Haverfordwest.
Bevan, 31, of Aberystwyth, was later found guilty of Lola’s murder and jailed for life, with a minimum of 28 years.
Lola’s mother Sinead James, 30, of Neyland, was found guilty of allowing the toddler’s death and sentenced to six years in prison.
During the course of the trial, the jury heard that Bevan and James met through Facebook in February 2020, and started living in the home within weeks.
James had just got out of a domestic violence relationship, and as a previous victim of domestic abuse had access to support, but she “shut her eyes to the very obvious danger which Kyle Bevan posed to her children”, the court heard.
A review was started following Lola’s death, and restarted after the trial concluded.
Today, August 1, the Mid and West Wales Regional Safeguarding Board published the report of the Concise Child Practice Review, CYSUR 1 2021,undertaken in accordance with statutory legislation set out in the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and accompanying guidance Working Together to Safeguard People – Volume 2 – Child Practice Reviews (Welsh Government, 2016).
The report said that Lola suffered a violent attack by Bevan on the evening of July 16 2020 and into the morning.
Ambulance staff raised concerns that the injuries were inconsistent with falling down the stairs, as the mother had claimed on the phone to 999.
Lola was taken to the local hospital and later pronounced brain dead.
Bevan was known to the police since at least March 2019 for domestic incidents related to his own mother, who told the court he had an “anger problem”.
The review said concerns had been raised in January 2020 by a health visitor to Lola’s home, who said the mother was finding her daughter demanding, and at previous visits, she was unwashed, with her feet black with dirt.
While the health visitor submitted a multiagency referral form – to bring in social services – the review said there were a number of “missed opportunities” to arrange additional home visits, which could have allowed Lola’s well-being to be ascertained.
Those visits could also have uncovered that Bevan was living at the address, which James had not revealed to the team, and the condition of the home, which “would (on its own) have raised child protection concerns”.
Pembrokeshire county Council Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “Pembrokeshire County Council would first like to convey their sincerest condolences to the family of Lola James and to all those who have been affected by her murder, over four years ago.
“This review process, that we have fully and openly engaged with along with our multi-agency partners with whom we share safeguarding responsibilities, has been an opportunity for the local authority to reflect on its practice and to learn from the observations contained in the independent report.
“We would like to recognise the significant commitment and input of those who have taken part in the review process, and who have been involved with the family over the last four years.
“The local authority takes extremely seriously its duties within the safeguarding arena, and places the protection and support of the most vulnerable in society as its key priority.
“Whilst we would always strive to demonstrate good practice, there is always room for improvement and the opportunities that this review has presented us with, will allow us to improve how we work with vulnerable children and young people in the future.
“Ahead of the publication of the report today [August 1], we had developed an action plan to deal with the issues the review has raised for us, and we have made considerable progress against that plan already.
“In addition, we have established a social care improvement board, which includes amongst its membership locally elected politicians, senior officers and an external independent expert. This board will oversee delivery against the actions within that plan, with progress also being reported into local authority scrutiny committees and cabinet meetings.
“We hope also that the report, will contribute to wider ongoing learning and improvement in relation to a number of key safeguarding issues across all agencies with safeguarding responsibilities in the West Wales region and beyond. It is imperative that we take all opportunities to improve our services, and ensure that children and families receive the best quality of support available.
“Once again, Pembrokeshire County Council would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and all of those who knew Lola.”
Pembrokeshire County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board and Dyfed Powys Police have made the following joint statement to accompany publication of the report.
“All agencies involved in this report wish to convey their sincerest condolences to the child’s family and to all those who have been affected by the murder of a child in such appalling circumstances.
“This review has been an opportunity to reflect and share learning amongst all partner organisations and practitioners on a multi-agency basis, and we acknowledge the commitment and contribution of those who have taken part in the review process.
“All agencies take very seriously the opportunities that this review presents, to consider our practice and improve how we protect vulnerable children. We hope that the report will also contribute to wider ongoing learning and improvement in relation to a number of key safeguarding issues across all agencies with safeguarding responsibilities.”
The Mid and West Wales Regional Safeguarding Board will oversee the delivery of an action plan to ensure lessons continue to be learnt and that services are improved across all agencies.
Crime
Police appeal after male hospitalised in Castle Square assault
POLICE are investigating an incident which occurred at about 1.05am, Sunday, September 1.
A 23-year-old man was taken to hospital with head injuries following the incident on Castle Square, Haverfordwest.
A 21-year old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and later released on condition bail pending further police enquiries.
Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, 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: 36 of the 1st.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crime
Carmarthenshire County Council gets tough on littering and environmental offences
CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL reaffirms its dedication to ensuring a clean and safe environment by issuing a number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) and enforcement actions throughout August 2024. These actions address violations of environmental regulations, including littering, fly-tipping, improper waste disposal, and vehicle abandonment.
Littering Offences – £125 FPNs
The Environmental Enforcement Team issued £125 FPNs for various littering offences across the county:
- Morrisons Recycling Facility, Trostre: A female resident of Penlan, Bryn, Llanelli was issued an FPN for leaving a carrier bag containing a plate on the ground.
Morrisons Recycling Facility, Llanelli: A female resident of Heol Gwyr, Llanelli was issued an FPN for abandoning a black bag containing a fan surround at the site.
Burry Port Recycling Facility: A female resident of Heol Gwendraeth, Burry Port was issued an FPN for leaving a cardboard box on the ground.
Morrisons Recycling Facility, Trostre: A female resident of Brynhyfryd was issued an FPN for depositing a bag of glass on the ground.
Tesco Extra, Llanelli: A male resident from Felinfoel was issued an FPN for discarding McDonald’s packaging near the clothing banks.
St Clears Bring Site: A female resident of St Clears was issued an FPN for leaving a cardboard box containing broken glass on the ground.
Morrisons Carmarthen: A female resident of Ponthenry was fined for depositing a carrier bag full of household waste at the recycling facility.
Abandonment of a Vehicle – £200 FPN - Pwll, Llanelli: A male resident of Swansea was fined £200 for abandoning a vehicle in the Pwll area.
Fly-Tipping – £400 FPN - St Clears Bring Site: A male resident of Carmarthen Town was issued a £400 FPN for fly-tipping multiple cardboard boxes, books, and household waste, including a black and blue bag, at the site.
Waste Receptacle Offences – £100 FPNs - Several residents were issued £100 FPNs for failing to comply with waste receptacle regulations.
- Carmarthen (Sycamore Way): A female resident was fined for placing her waste out on the incorrect day.
Ammanford: A resident was issued an FPN for placing waste in the incorrect location.
Llanelli (Burry Street): A female resident was issued an FPN for placing dirty items, including used puppy pads, in blue recycling bags and for incorrect waste collection timing.
Carmarthen (Belvedere Avenue): A female resident was issued an FPN for placing glass and contaminated items in blue recycling bags.
Llanelli (Station Road): A female resident was issued an FPN for placing contaminated waste in blue bags on the wrong day and time.
Llanelli (Stafford Street): Two female residents were issued FPNs for placing dirty items and food waste in blue recycling bags.
Llanelli (Burry Street): Another female resident was issued an FPN for placing textiles and dirty items in blue bags and for incorrect waste collection timing.
Carmarthen (Belvedere Avenue): A resident was issued an FPN for placing black and blue bags out on the wrong day and contaminating blue recycling bags.
Prosecutions
Carmarthenshire County Council successfully prosecuted two individuals for littering offences:
- Water Street, Carmarthen: On 3rd January 2024, Mr. Martin Robert Tucker of Penrhiwllan, Llandysul, was witnessed throwing a cigarette butt from his vehicle. Despite being offered the opportunity to pay a £125 FPN, Mr. Tucker failed to do so. The case was referred to the magistrates, resulting in a £270 fine, £300 in costs, and an £88 victim surcharge.
- Vaughan Street, Llanelli: Mr. Stuart Allen, a Llanelli resident, was seen discarding a cigarette end in January 2024. After failing to pay the £125 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), the case was brought to court. Mr. Allen was then issued a £120 FPN, and the magistrates imposed £200 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
- Enforcement Notices Issued
In August 2024, Carmarthenshire County Council issued:
- 39 Section 46 Notices under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for failure to adhere to waste disposal regulations.
- 12 Section 47 Notices under the same act for offences related to commercial and industrial waste disposal.
- Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation, and Sustainability, said:
“These enforcement actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to protecting the environment. We urge residents to adhere to waste disposal regulations and to report any offences.”
Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping or other environmental violations through the Council’s website or by calling 01267 234567.
Crime
Jealous Milford Haven boyfriend jailed for coercive control
A MAN has been sentenced to prison for coercive control after subjecting his partner to a campaign of manipulation and control. Wayne Davies, formerly of Milford Haven, was handed an 18-week prison sentence at Swansea Crown Court after admitting to a series of controlling behaviours.
Davies, 47, who had been living with his partner in Milford Haven, initially denied the charges but changed his plea to guilty on the first day of his trial. The court heard that he had been in custody since his arrest in March, and with time already served, it is likely he will be released imminently.
The case revolved around Davies’ behaviour towards his partner between 1 October 2023 and 3 March 2024. The couple had met on the dating app Tinder, and Davies moved in with the woman within two months, following his eviction from his own accommodation. At first, the relationship appeared to be going well, with no apparent issues.
However, as the relationship progressed, Davies’ behaviour became increasingly controlling. Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini described how he deleted his partner’s social media accounts, including her TikTok and Facebook friends, and accused her of having relationships with her colleagues. He also changed her phone password, carried her phone around with him, and attempted to pressure her into selling her car, which held sentimental value as a gift from her late father.
The court heard how Davies’ actions had a significant impact on the woman’s well-being. In her victim statement, she described feeling “anxious, paranoid and on edge” as a result of his behaviour.
In his defence, barrister Hywel Davies highlighted his client’s vulnerabilities, stating that Davies had been diagnosed with autism and suffered from “numerical and literary deficiencies”. He argued that his time in custody had been particularly difficult, describing prison as “absolutely terrifying” for Davies, who felt vulnerable and believed that other inmates had taken advantage of him.
Mr Davies also noted that his client had lost custody of his two children while in prison, a further consequence of his actions. He urged the court to take into consideration the nearly six months Davies had already spent in custody.
Recorder Aidan Eardley KC, in passing sentence, acknowledged the distress caused by Davies’ actions, stating that his behaviour had caused “serious alarm and distress” to his former partner. Davies was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, followed by a year of post-sentence supervision.
Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed, forbidding Davies from contacting the woman or her mother and from approaching their home. Despite the sentence, the time already served means Davies is likely to be released soon.
This case underscores the seriousness with which the courts view coercive control, a form of domestic abuse that often goes unseen but has profound effects on victims.
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