The courageous actions of a domestic abuse victim have been praised by Dyfed-Powys Police, after a violent criminal was detained within 30 minutes of victim’s 999 call.

Her actions enabled officers to locate and arrest her violent ex-partner just 30 minutes after he unlawfully showed up at her home.

Bobby England, aged 34, of Llangunnor, Carmarthen, breached a restraining order when he turned up at his victim’s home demanding his toolbox.

He shouted obscenities at her before she managed to call 999 for help.

The week before, on June 9, 2025, England appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with assault by beating after he headbutted the victim and bruised her arm.

Magistrates imposed a Protection from Harassment Order lasting two years, which stated he was not to contact his ex-girlfriend or go to her address.

However, within a week of his sentencing, he had breached the order and went back to his victim’s house just 10 minutes after she had arrived back from staying with friends. She had been too scared to stay alone following his court case custody the previous week.

The court heard that the victim heard knocking on her door and thought it was the police making safety checks. However, when she opened the door, it was her perpetrator.

Visibly upset and afraid, she contacted the police, who swiftly arrived at the scene.

Thanks to the quick-thinking of the victim and the rapid response of the officers, England was arrested within 30 minutes of officers being dispatched. He was detained in custody before attending Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on June 18.

England pleaded guilty to a charge of breaching a restraining order. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and is required to pay £85 in court costs, a £154 victim surcharge, and he will be electronically monitored with a tag for six months. He also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis/cannabis resin.

The victim has since been offered safeguarding advice and support and has been signposted to domestic violence support agencies.

Measures have been put in place to help the victim feel more secure in her home, including having her door fixed and locks repaired. She also was given a panic alarm, a wireless doorbell and extra security. The aim of such safeguarding measures is to ensure victims of domestic abuse don’t feel a need to flee their homes and the community they live in and feel safer in the homes.

Constable Bethan Morris said: “Thanks to the swift action of our officers and the courage the victim showed in reporting the offence, we were able to arrest and detain the perpetrator within 30 minutes of being dispatched.

“This demonstrates the Force’s commitment to eliminating domestic violence in our communities by protecting victims and ensuring offenders are brought to justice promptly.

“No one should live in fear in their own home and we will continue to work with our partners to provide safeguarding measures for victims to feel more secure as well as signposting them to national and local support organisations.

“We would encourage anybody who is a victim of domestic violence to report it to us.”

If you’re living in an abusive household or relationship, and want to report this, you can contact police in the following ways:

By ringing 101

If you’re not ready to report, or need support in speaking out, there are organisations that can help. Please visit Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Dyfed-Powys Police