Gwent Police is re-appealing for information to help locate Jon Marc Stephens who failed to return to HMP Prescoed.

Stephens, who has convictions for robbery, was on day release on September 22^nd and did not return at the allotted time.

Stephens is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, of slim build with short dark brown hair. He is not a sex offender.

It’s believed there may be a potential risk due to the fact that he is no longer in the custody of the prison service.

Gwent Police has activated its operational plan with the aim of locating him and the prison is co-operating fully with us.

Anyone who sees Stephens or has any information about his whereabouts is advised not to approach him but to ring Gwent Police on 01633 838111 quoting log 456 22/09/13.

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Four Sandbach men who committed a sustained, brutal and violent attack on a man have been sentenced to a combined 32 years in prison.

Lee Michael Brown, 26, from Platt Avenue, Timothy Paul Brown, 21, also from Platt Avenue, Nicholas Edmonstone, 21, from Bath Street, Sandbach and Luke Walklate, 19, from Dean Close, Sandbach, all pleaded guilty to Section 18 Wounding with Intent at an earlier hearing.On 13 December 2013, they were sentenced to eight years each.

South Wales Police is appealing for information to locate wanted man Brian Anthony Ward.

He absconded during a trial at Newport Crown Court on 14th November where he appeared charged with a historic sexual offence.

The court found him guilty and a warrant was issued for his immediate arrest.
Anyone who may have seen Brian Ward, who is 57 years-old from Pontyclun, is urged to contact Porth CID via South Wales Police’s non emergency 101 number or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A woman appeared before Caernarfon Magistrates yesterday (Wednesday 12^th Feb) after receiving a summons for dangerous driving (due to the extremely poor condition of the tyres of her car

She was convicted of dangerous driving and was disqualified for 15 months and ordered to take an extended re-test. She was also fined £200 with £200 court costs.

A burglar has been sentenced to eight years in prison after admitting breaking into homes in Lakeside, Cardiff.

Darren Barcoe, 33, from Llanedeyrn, Cardiff also pleaded guilty to stealing a motor vehicle from one of the houses in Lakeside and asked for a further 12 burglaries to be taken into consideration.

The burglaries in Lakeside happened on November 20, 2013. On both occasions a spade was used to force open back doors.

When Barcoe was arrested two days later officers seized his Nike Air trainers and found the tread matched that left at the scene.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Monday, February 10.

DC Gareth Childs, from South Wales Police, said: “When a burglary takes place we act very quickly as this case shows.

“All victims have been updated with the outcome at Cardiff Crown Court which will hopefully provide some reassurance.

“Preventing and detecting burglary is priority for South Wales Police.”

Six men have been charged in connection with conspiracy to steal.

David Price, 25, of Broad Oak Road, St Helens
James Price, 30, of Broad Oak Road, St Helens
Trevor Smith, 37, of Riverdale, Frosdsham, Cheshire
Michael Chadwick,26, of Gloucester Street, St Helens
Christopher Lee, 22, of Gloucester Street, St Helens
Daniel Chadwick, 21, of Gloucester Street, St Helens

They are due to appear at Gateshead Magistrates’ Court on March 6.

The men have been charged as a result of Operation Scott – an operation run by the North East Regional Special Operations Unit in relation to a series of professionally planned thefts of specialist copper cable across England and Scotland.

Police in Cardiff are investigating the death of a 47-year-old man, which occurred at approximately 11.00pm last night (Monday 17^th February) at  Heol Pant Y Deri, Ely.

Two men, aged 49 and 42 years have been arrested and are in custody at Cardiff Bay police Station.

Detective Inspector Mark Lewis, from South Wales Police, said: “We are currently working to establish how the man died and although at the moment the circumstances are unclear, we believe the death to be drug related.

“Understandably people will be concerned but I would like to reassure the local community that we continue with our daily enforcement on the streets of Cardiff, and work closely with the harm reduction agencies to encourage individuals to stop consuming drugs, particularly heroin.”

The Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline - 0800 6 33 55 88 - provides a free and bilingual single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs or alcohol.

The helpline will assist individuals, their families, carers, and support workers within the drug and alcohol field to access appropriate local and regional services.

Anyone with information relating to the use or sale of class A drugs is requested to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

South Wales Police is  appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of 32-year-old Paul George Boyles.

Paul, who has previously lived on Corporation Road, Cardiff failed to appear at court for the breach of a court order and is wanted on warrant.

Anyone who has seen him is urged to call the South Wales Police non emergency 101 number or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Daniel Keith James has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a woman which happened in a car park near Swansea Civic Centre on November 20th 2013.

James, aged 21, appeared at Swansea Crown Court today following his previous guilty plea to rape, indecent assault, robbery and making threats whilst having an offensive weapon.

Detective Inspector Dave Hough of Swansea CID said: “This was a very serious incident which understandably caused a lot of public concern, particularly in Swansea city centre. A lone female had finished work for the day and had just got to her car to make her way home when she was attacked and raped at knifepoint.

“I would like to thank all the members of the public who responded to our appeals by contacting us with information. This was very helpful and coupled with extensive CCTV and quick-time forensic work, it resulted in the identification of James as a suspect followed by his arrest and charge for these offences.

“Stranger attacks on women, such as this one, are rare in Swansea but when they do occur we have specialist officers to investigate these crimes and with partner agencies provide support to rape victims.

“This has been a life altering experience but one where the victim has shown remarkable emotional strength in dealing with what happened to her. There is however a fall-out which further extends to her close family, themselves coming to terms with such an intrusive and violating offence.

“I would like to echo the judge’s comments in summing up that Daniel James poses such a significant risk of serious harm to others and in order to protect the public in future, an indeterminate sentence of life imprisonment is necessary.”

Jamie Curtis, aged 26, has today been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Kevin Hier in Ynysawdre, Bridgend on Wednesday 23rd October 2013.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Davies, of South Wales Police specialist crime investigations team, said: “No sentence will ever begin to compensate Kevin’s family for their sudden and devastating loss. By pleading guilty Curtis has accepted responsibility for his actions and he has now received a life sentence meaning he will spend many years behind bars for what he has done.

“The thoughts of everyone associated with this investigation are with Kevin’s family, the witnesses to this terrible crime and the community of Ynysawdre which was left stunned by what was a shocking but rare incident.”

Kelvin Newton has today been convicted of the murder of Assia Newton, aged 44, in Pencoed in July 2013.

Detective Inspector Paul Peters of the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Investigations Team said:

“Our thoughts today are with the family and friends of Assia Newton who I hope have been given some comfort by the conviction of Kelvin Newton for her murder.

“This was a tragic incident which brought shock and sadness to the community of Pencoed as Assia Newton was the victim, of domestic abuse which ultimately led to her death.

“Domestic abuse is a priority for South Wales Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner. I urge anyone who is a victim to seek help and support from the excellent organisations that provide assistance and expert advice. Importantly also report such incidents to us so that we can intervene at the earliest opportunity.

“Our appeal is also to the public who may know someone in need who does not feel strong enough to contact us directly. Whether you are a victim or concerned member of the public we urge you to report such matters to the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency or call the All Wales domestic abuse helpline 0808 80 10 800.”

In a statement, Assia Newton’s family, said:

“No justice will ever be enough to compensate us for the loss of a loving mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and aunt.

“We will never know the truth of what happened. There has been no remorse shown and no attempt to say sorry.

“As a family we know we will never have her again to share the special moments of our lives. Not a day will go by when she will not be with us in our thoughts.

“We hope that women who are suffering from domestic abuse can gain the confidence to come forward and report it. As a family we will continue to fundraise for Welsh Women’s Aid to prevent other families finding themselves in this terrible position.

“We would like to offer our sincere and grateful thanks to South Wales Police; Miss Elwen Evans and her legal team; and victim support, for the care and support which they have given us at all times.

“Rest in peace Assia, we will love you forever.

“The family requests that their privacy is now respected whilst they come to terms with the events of the past twelve months and start to rebuild their lives.”

A man has been charged with the murder of Darren Thomas, 45, at HMP Cardiff, during the early hours of Thursday, March 6.

Colin Capp, 22, is remanded in custody and will appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Saturday, March 8).
Mr Thomas’ family are devastated by what has happened and continue to be supported by a family liaison officer.

An investigation is continuing.

Chief Constable Peter Vaughan said: “South Wales Police has dismissed two officers, Inspector Phillip Camm and Sergeant Richard Jones, after they failed in their duties regarding the criminal behaviour of then Detective Constable Jeffrey Davies. Both were made aware of the actions of Davies and yet both failed to act appropriately.

“From myself to our front-line, officers of South Wales Police are shocked and feel deeply let down by the behaviour of these officers. Let us be in no doubt, we owe the women affected a sincere apology as the conduct of these officers fell well short of the standards I expect from South Wales Police.

“As part of the investigation into their conduct a number of offensive and inappropriate emails and documents came to light which were prepared by Sergeant Jones and seen by Inspector Camm, who failed to challenge them. I have to make it clear that this is behaviour I simply don’t recognise within South Wales Police.

“We have examined thousands of emails to see if such behaviour was more common. Quite simply it is not and evidently, the vast majority of our 5,000 officers and staff know that there is absolutely no place for lewd and offensive communication and it will not be tolerated.

“Everyone throughout South Wales Police knows the values and standards which are expected from them, we train them in these standards and on promotion. I tell every manager that they have an absolute duty to challenge inappropriate behaviour and conduct.

“Sergeant Jones and Inspector Camm failed to act in the professional manner that I expect of my officers. Their dismissals show that we will always be robust when it comes to staff misconduct.

“At the same time, every year our front-line staff and specialist teams support hundreds of victims of sexual offences. Leaders across the force are ensuring that we do our very best to protect vulnerable people and respond to their needs.”

Police in Birmingham have today (Thursday 13 March) arrested three men on suspicion of possession of extreme pornography.

The men are aged 36, 37 and 32 years. The 36 and 37 year old were arrested from their home addresses in Birmingham and the 32 year old from their home address in Wolverhampton, this morning.

All three are now being questioned by detectives from the Public Protection Unit at police stations in the West Midlands area.

The three arrested are employed as teachers/teaching staff at Birmingham schools. One man is employed at Park View School and the other two men at Golden Hillock School in Birmingham. Their management have been notified as well as the Dept for Education. Both continue to support the police investigation.

This investigation commenced in April 2013 as a result of an ongoing enquiry into the sharing of extreme pornography. These enquiries are unconnected to the on-going Birmingham City Council investigation into the so-called ‘Trojan Horse’ allegations.

South Wales Police is appealing for information following an incident at Grove Terrace, Penarth in the early hours of today (Saturday, 17th August). 

A 69 year-old local man was found lying in the road with serious injuries at 1.30am.

Officers suspect he was hit by a vehicle which may not have stopped at the scene and has since failed to report the incident.

However it is also a possibility that he may have been the victim of an assault.

He is currently being treated at the University Hospital of Wales where he was admitted with serious injuries.

Police are appealing to anybody who have seen what happened to contact them.

In particular, they are urging the driver or the occupants of any vehicle that was involved in an incident at Grove Terrace last night to come forward immediately.

Acting Detective Inspector Paul Mason, said: ‘We can’t be sure what has happened but early indications suggest he was struck by a vehicle. If that is the case, the driver or passengers must to do the right thing and to come forward to explain what happened.’

The man was returning home from the Penarth Conservative Club where he had spent the evening.

Anyone with information can call the non emergency 101 number or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

South Wales Police has launched a murder investigation following the death of a 45-year-old male in the Grangetown area of Cardiff.

Police were alerted to the incident by an anonymous call made just before midnight on Wednesday, March 19, from a phone kiosk on Clare Road, Grangetown.

Officers found the body of the man, partially submerged in the water on the Taff Embankment side of the river Taff, beneath Penarth Road bridge.

His death is being treated as murder and a post mortem examination is continuing to establish cause of death.

Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley, of the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Investigations Team, said: “Specially-trained officers are this evening breaking the tragic news to the man’s parents and they will be offered our full support.

“We are very grateful to those who have already contacted us with information particularly a man who identified himself to a PCSO earlier today as being the person who made the initial 999 call from a telephone kiosk on Clare Road.

“We are appealing for witnesses and I would ask anyone who was in the Taff Embankment area between 6pm on Wednesday and 12.30am on today to contact South Wales Police.

“We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the man in the hours leading up to his body being found.”
The man is described as white, and was wearing light blue jeans, a navy anorak style jacket, and a light coloured baseball cap with the wording ‘cross hatch’.

He may have been in possession of a black coloured holdall.

An incident room has been set at Cardiff Central Police Station and a police cordon remains at the scene.

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room in confidence on 02920 571 520, South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting occurrence number 1400093541.

South Wales Police is investigating a number of incidents where car parts have been stolen.

Number plates, alloy wheels, and even body work have been taken from Ford cars in parts of Cardiff and in surrounding areas such as Nantgarw, Pontypridd and Rhydyfelin.

Officers are linking the incidents and suspect that parts are being stolen to order, possibly to repair damaged cars which are then sold on.

Some thefts have taken place in broad daylight in busy areas.

It is suspected the thieves are being so blatant that witnesses would not suspect foul play.

The public are urged to be vigilant and to report suspicious incidents as they happen.

Patrols have increased in key areas, and the investigation into who is behind these thefts is continuing.

Owners of Ford vehicles can take simple measures which may help them avoid being targeted:

• Ensure vehicles are locked and the alarm is activated when they are unattended.
• Park on a driveway or in a garage if possible.
• Avoid parking in public areas which are obscured from view or in poorly lit locations.
• Lock wheel nuts to protect alloy wheels.
• If you’re going away on holiday, ensure somebody such as a family member or neighbour is looking out for your vehicle.

Anybody with information is urged to contact South Wales Police via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of David Alun Lewis in the Grangetown area of Cardiff.

Police were alerted to the incident by an anonymous call made just before midnight on Wednesday, March 19, from a phone kiosk on Clare Road, Grangetown.

Officers found Mr Lewis’s body, partially submerged in the water on the Taff Embankment side of the river Taff, beneath Penarth Road bridge.

His death is being treated as murder and a post mortem examination is continuing to establish cause of death.

In a statement, his parents Hetty and Glyndwr said: “This is so sad. We love David so much and our lives will never be the same again. We can’t believe such a thing has happened to our son.”

Mr and Mrs Lewis continue to be updated and supported by specially-trained family liaison officers.
Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley, of the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Investigations Team, said: “David Alun Lewis lived with his parents in Ystrad Mynach but would occasionally visit Cardiff, sometimes staying at the Huggard Centre.

“His parents are understandably very distressed about what has happened to their son who they have described as a good decent man, highly intelligent and a talented musician.

“While an individual has been arrested and remains in custody, we are still very much appealing for witnesses.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the Taff Embankment between 7.45pm and 11.45pm on Wednesday, March 19.

“I would also urge anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour or an altercation on the river bank to please contact the incident room or officers at the scene.”

Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Mr Lewis, aged 45, in the hours leading up to his death.

The last known sighting of Mr Lewis was at approximately 7.45pm on Wednesday walking along Penarth Road near the Big Yellow Storage opposite the BMW garage.

He was wearing light blue jeans, a navy anorak style jacket, and a light coloured baseball cap with the wording ‘cross hatch’.

He may have been in possession of a black holdall.

An incident room has been set at Cardiff Central Police Station and a police cordon remains at the scene.

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room in confidence on 02920 571 530, South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting occurrence number 1400093541.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon is to review CCTV services originally installed to cut crime.

He believes that provision across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys varies in effectiveness.

Budget pressures on local authorities mean that some CCTV services are being scrutinised by county halls.

Mr Salmon said: “The police have never funded CCTV in Dyfed-Powys and any decision to cut funding is the responsibility of the local council.

“Nevertheless, I’m determined to ensure that our communities are kept safe. I’ve offered to contribute to CCTV provision with local authorities.

“I wish to simplify CCTV’s use, ensure it’s beneficial to communities and offer the public a clear understanding of its effectiveness.

“First, however, we must make sure we’re spending money wisely, so I’ve proposed a review, which my office will lead, to assess the appropriate future provision that balances safety, privacy and cost.”

Mr Salmon’s action, supported by Chief Constable Simon Prince, is to work with Dyfed-Powys’s four county councils to review CCTV provision.

He will look at existing evidence of its effectiveness, the potential for improved or different technology to reduce crime, opportunities for more flexible monitoring and short-term options for greater consistency and flexibility.

Mr Salmon said: “Why this review? Down the years public bodies – although not obliged to do so – have installed a variety of CCTV systems with a range of technology, monitoring regimes and evaluation processes.

“The police have supported systems in a number of ways but I feel that, in the current financial climate, we need a more coordinated approach – one that is effective and efficient at a cost agreeable to all.

“Although the police do not fund CCTV right now, I am committed to providing a solution.”

In mid-March, following discussions with all four county council leaders, the Commissioner wrote to them outlining his proposed way forward.

He said: “Some town and community councils, businesses and others also have a stake in CCTV so we’ll ensure their needs are considered in the future work.”

A 28-year-old man has been charged with the murder of David Alun Lewis in the Grangetown area of Cardiff.

He is remanded in custody and will appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Monday, March 24).

Police were alerted to the incident by an anonymous call made just before midnight on Wednesday, March 19, from a phone kiosk on Clare Road, Grangetown.

Officers found Mr Lewis’s body, partially submerged in the water on the Taff Embankment side of the river Taff, beneath Penarth Road bridge.

Mr Lewis, aged 45, from Ystrad Mynach, suffered multiple injuries.

A post mortem examination has concluded however further tests are required to establish cause of death.

Mr Lewis’s parents continue to be updated and supported by specially-trained family liaison officers.
Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley, of the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Investigations Team, said: “I would like to thank those people who have come forward with information which has greatly assisted our investigation.

“While an individual has now been charged and remains in custody, we are still very much appealing for witnesses.”

Mr Lewis was last seen on CCTV at approximately 7.45pm on Wednesday walking along Penarth Road near the Big Yellow Storage opposite the BMW garage.

He was wearing light blue jeans, a navy anorak style jacket, and a light coloured baseball cap with the wording ‘cross hatch’.

He may have been in possession of a black holdall.

Det Supt Hurley said: “We would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the bridge on Penarth Road and the Taff Embankment between 7.30pm and 8.30pm on Wednesday, March 19.

“I would also urge anyone who may have seen any activity, suspicious behaviour or an altercation on the river bank between these times to please contact the incident room  at Cardiff Central Police Station.

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room in confidence on 02920 571 530, South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting occurrence number 1400093541.