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.”

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.”

A COURT has heard how a neighbour pushed her way into the next door property before assaulting the person who lived there and throwing items of her furniture out into the street.

As all this was going on, the victim’s little dog was seen cowering in the background.

This week video footage was shown to District Judge Mark Layton, sitting in Haverfordwest magistrates court, of Sorrel Arnold pushing her way into a property in Bridge Street, Llanychaer on the afternoon of August 7,

Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson explained the incident arose as a result of an ongoing issue concerning a boundary fence.

“The defendant forced her way into the property, grabbed Linda Manley and pushed her to the stomach,” said Ms Jackson.

A victim statement was read out to the court in which Ms Manley mentioned the ‘repeated harassment, intimidation and serious physical abuse’ which is being inflicted on her by Sorrel Arnold.

“I bought my cottage as I wanted to enjoy a peaceful existence,” she said.  “But I was quickly made aware of the aggressive behaviour of my neighbour.  I’m enduring daily harassment from [Sorrel Arnold], with her anti-social behaviour and the damage she’s causing to my property and I’ve become fearful of her.”

Ms Manley went on to describe the events on the afternoon of August 7.

“She forced her way in, attacking me and pushing me to one side,” she said.  “This was in my own home.  I kept telling her to leave me alone, but she kept saying she would do as she pleased.  She pushed her long fingernails into my wrist and threw my mobile phone outside and hurled it into the road, as well as a wooden stool that my children had given me.

“I ran out in fear, shouting for help. I had to leave my own home, leaving her inside with my small dog.”

When Arnold eventually left the property, she lifted the flowers out of Ms Manley’s window box and emptied them onto the road.

“I believe her to be mentally unstable,” concluded Ms Manley.  “I now live in fear each day, not knowing what she’s going to do next.”

Arnold pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to Linda Manley’s property and of assaulting Ms Manley by beating.  She was legally unrepresented in court.

After considering a lengthy probation report, Judge Layton sentenced Arnold to a 12 month community order during which she must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work.

She was ordered to pay a total of £929 compensation to Ms Manley, covering the cost of her iPhone and the damage to her property.  She must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.  The Judge imposed a restraining order which will run indefinitely, preventing her from having any contact with the victim.

“The person you assaulted was in her own home, which is somewhere everyone should feel safe,” he said.  “If you do anything like this again, custody is going to be the next step.”