A senior judge has demanded a full explanation from North Wales Police following the release on bail of a man described as 'very dangerous', despite him making explicit threats to murder an alleged rape victim. Martin Edwards, 41, was arrested in March 2026 on suspicion of rape and, while in custody, repeatedly stated his intention to find and harm the woman, threatening to 'chop her into little pieces' and 'bury her'.
Despite these clear threats, Edwards was released on bail. Shortly afterwards, he confronted the woman in Llandudno, Conwy, while in possession of a knife, threatening to kill her. The situation was de-escalated only when a former soldier intervened, disarming Edwards and contacting the police to report a 'threat to life'.
At Caernarfon Crown Court, Judge Simon Mills expressed profound concern, stating: 'I can't understand how this man came to be released from custody, having said he was going to murder a person who was alleging rape.' He described it as a 'wholesale failure' and highlighted the importance of protecting alleged victims. The judge also noted a significant delay of over 24 hours before officers attended the scene after the soldier reported the incident, leaving the 'potential murder weapon' with the member of the public.
The public-spirited former soldier, who Judge Mills commended, later made a formal complaint to North Wales Police and contacted his MP, expressing a loss of confidence in emergency services for immediate threats to life. Edwards, of no fixed address, admitted charges of making death threats, affray, and possessing a knife in public. The court heard that no further action had been taken regarding the initial rape allegation.
Edwards' defence cited a brain injury and paranoid schizophrenia as factors affecting his perception of being slighted. Judge Mills sentenced Edwards to three years and eight months in prison, adding an additional five years to his license period due to the assessment that he is 'very dangerous'. A 15-year restraining order was also imposed to protect the woman.
Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison of North Wales Police acknowledged the judge's comments, stating the force is 'actively reviewing the full circumstances surrounding this incident' and will respond directly to the court. He added that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.