Paedophile Policeman's Mother Jailed For Two Years

The mother of paedophile policeman, Lewis Edwards (featured previously on this blog HERE), has been sentenced to two years in prison for perverting the course of justice by burying one of his mobile phones which she thought may contain evidence of her son's sexual offending.  Rebekah Edwards (pictured left), following instructions from her son, had buried the phone in her garden alongside her dead cat.  On being dug up, the phone was found to have a broken screen, and a SIM card that was damaged beyond repair, meaning it was impossible to ascertain what was on the phone.  Rebekah Edwards, who was of previous good character, had apparently worked as a social worker for Bridgend Council for many years, and was the primary carer for her elderly mother.  Her lawyer said: "She was put in a dreadful position by her son through no fault of her own."  Lucy Dowdall, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "At the time that she found her son's mobile phones, Rebekah Edwards knew of the continued investigation into his offending behaviour.  In assisting his attempts to conceal further evidence of his sexual exploitation of children, she demonstrated a lack of concern for the devastating impact of her son's actions on innumerable young people and their families.  Her sole concern was for her paedophile son, and not for his victims, or helping them secure the justice they deserved."  Rebekah Edwards will serve one year in custody, and a further year on licence when she is released.  More on the case HERE.

Dyfed-Powys Police Pay Out Thousands In Compensation

Dyfed-Powys Police, headquartered in the Llangunnor area of Carmarthen (pictured left), has had to pay out £324,000 in damages to people they have abused and mistreated between 2019 and 2024.  Public Interest Lawyers, who obtained the figures via a Freedom of Information Request, said that 186 claims were made against the force during this period, with the number of claims increasing to a peak of 54 in 2023 / '24.  The highest amount paid out was in 2021 / '22, when £138,111.69 was given in compensation to members of the public and / or staff.  The most-common reasons for claims against Dyfed-Powys Police were: unlawful arrest or detention, financial losses, personal injury, and failing in duty of care.  J. F. Law solicitor, Lucy Parker, said: "The number of claims made against police forces in the U.K. shines a light on a crucial issue, and highlights the importance of holding institutions accountable.  Potential reasons to claim may include wrongful arrest, assault, malicious prosecution, or negligence.  Reasons such as property damage and forced entry by police, without lawful justification, are serious matters, and can constitute a significant breach of an individual's rights.  If you believe the police have wronged you, it's essential to seek legal advice promptly to understand your options and potential outcomes."  As someone who has been the victim of continued harassment by Welsh police, including being on the receiving end of an unprovoked violent assault by a policeman, as well as being arrested and charged with a crime which I didn't commit and for which there was no evidence, I am very interested in this sort of thing.  More details about the Dyfed-Powys Police situation HERE.