Gwent Police appoints Mark Hobrough as its new Chief Constable

A new chief constable has been appointed to Gwent Police. Mark Hobrough, who has 29 years of service in south Wales has been given the job by the Police and Crime Commissioner for the area.

Jane Mudd said he was chosen following a "robust and competitive selection process" that included a public survey that ran throughout the summer. He has also been involved in several high-profile cases including the dog attack that killed 10-year-old Jack Lis.

When he was a probationer, he spotted Orlando Sir - who stabbed to death Cowbridge jeweller Gerry Hales before stealing £140,000 worth of jewellery - running away from the scene of the killing on Cowbridge High Street in May 1997. He was 25 at the time and was commended for his actions in arresting the murderer who was waving a blood stained knife.

In the past he has been in the headlines after his wife Charlotte won £1m on the gameshow Survivor in July 2001. Following her win, Ms Hobrough, who was a serving police officer at the time, pledged to patch up her marriage to her husband after millions of viewers saw her have an affair with one of the 16 contestants on the show.

Speaking about the new appointment, Ms Mudd said: "The feedback I have had from the interviews conducted by professional partners, community members, and children and young people was that Mark's knowledge, and his dedication and commitment to the people of Gwent was demonstrated strongly. This will not be an easy job.

"However, I believe that Mark shares my passion for making Gwent a safer place for our residents."

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed to lead this police service which is made up of dedicated officers and staff who work tirelessly to serve our communities. It has been my privilege to serve as interim chief constable since August and I want to thank the commissioner and the panel for this continued opportunity.

"My mission is to strengthen trust and confidence in our police service by enhancing neighbourhood policing, increasing visibility, and addressing your concerns effectively. I am committed to ensuring our neighbourhoods are safe places for all residents and their families, while also supporting the most vulnerable individuals.

"I look forward to working with partners and the commissioner on our shared ambition of community safety and improving the quality of life for local residents, in particular young people."