Russell Hasler, 41, from Llandysul, worked at the force’s headquarters between May 2019 and November 2023. He resigned while under investigation by the Professional Standards Department.
Arrest and charges
Hasler was arrested in October 2023 on suspicion of coercive and controlling behaviour, computer misuse and data protection offences. He was later charged with all three.
In March 2025, he admitted to knowingly obtaining or disclosing personal data without consent. He had denied coercive control until 20 October, when he changed his plea to guilty two days before his trial at Swansea Crown Court.
The computer misuse charge was denied and no further action is being taken on that count.
Allegations of surveillance
Court proceedings heard that between February 2020 and September 2021, Hasler engaged in coercive behaviour towards his partner. This included accessing police logs relating to her, her ex‑partner and her friends, and using CCTV systems to monitor her movements — making her aware that he was doing so.
He also accessed information without authorisation, in breach of data protection laws.
Court proceedings
At a hearing earlier this year, Hasler admitted the data protection offences at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court. His guilty plea to coercive control was accepted by prosecutors at Swansea Crown Court in October.
Defence counsel Dyfed Thomas said Hasler “didn’t realise the effects of his behaviour at the time but accepts he ought to have done so.”
Judge Catherine Richards adjourned sentencing for a pre‑sentence report, warning Hasler: “You should be prepared for all outcomes.” He was re‑admitted to bail.
Police response
Superintendent Phil Rowe, Head of the Professional Standards Department at Dyfed‑Powys Police, said:
“Domestic abuse will not be tolerated within Dyfed‑Powys – whether the offender is a member of the public or from within our organisation.
As a force, we are committed to working towards the elimination of domestic abuse, and that is a priority not just within our communities but also internally here at Dyfed‑Powys Police. We welcome this guilty plea and await the sentencing.”
Sentencing
Hasler is due to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday 24 November.
Discover more from Swansea Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
