#morriston — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: Council electricians patent lightning-protection process experts said couldn’t be done

Two electricians who met working for Swansea Council have patented a new process for lightning protection systems — after some industry experts told them it couldn’t be done.

David James and Ross Miller, founders of James Miller Solutions, developed the technique over hundreds of hours of testing — much of it, by David’s own account, in a shed.

Lightning and high-voltage earthing conductors are fitted anywhere a strike could cause damage or danger — churches, stadiums, hospitals, airports, power stations and electrical substations among them.

Joining the copper or aluminium parts of those systems has traditionally involved blow torches or high-heat chemical reactions — methods the pair say carry safety risks, can fail, and produce high carbon emissions.

Their answer is an induction-based process — using electromagnetic heating rather than open flame — which they say makes the bonding safer, more consistent and less dependent on operator skill.

The idea came on a live job in Port Talbot during Covid. “It became clear there had to be a better way,” David said. “From there, we spent hundreds of hours developing and refining the system in a shed.”

“Coming from Swansea — with its strong copper and engineering history — we’ve always understood the importance of working safely and precisely with metals,” he added.

Ross said the work “involved constant testing and refining, even when we were told it wouldn’t work”, adding: “In many ways, it reflects Swansea’s long engineering tradition — solving real problems through practical innovation.”

According to the company, independent testing at Cardiff University’s high-voltage laboratory showed the system could handle electrical loads around three times stronger than a typical lightning strike — while tests at Swansea University’s Swansea Materials Research and Testing (SMaRT) facility found it withstood up to 9,700lbs of physical force without failing.

The pair met as electricians at Swansea Council. David now teaches renewable energy at Gower College Swansea, while Ross still works for the authority — and a council secondment has allowed him to work on the technology full-time after James Miller Solutions was selected for the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Regional Talent Engines programme.

“We never set out to become entrepreneurs — we were just trying to solve a problem we faced at work,” Ross said. “Along the way we’ve become inventors and business owners, which has been an incredible experience.”

The project was supported by a Swansea Council business innovation grant, funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s inspiring to see two people who started their careers with the council develop an idea that has the potential to improve safety and sustainability across the electrical industry.”

David said the approach “could significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional methods” on large projects such as substations.

The company says the technology is attracting interest from electricity network operators, major contractors, universities and industry bodies, with talks under way about trials — and the pair plan to expand into infrastructure and construction projects across south Wales and beyond.

Fittingly, the pair marked the news at the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks — the cradle of the copper industry David cites — where restoration of the historic engine houses is gathering pace.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Scaffolding tops the copperworks chimneys — as engine house restoration gathers pace
The restoration under way at the site where the pair were photographed.

Two ex-Swans staff turn one billboard into a seven-screen empire in a year
Another pair of Swansea colleagues who turned an idea into a business.

“Internationally significant” discoveries shed new light on Swansea’s industrial past
The copper-processing history unearthed at Hafod-Morfa.

GORSEINON: Memorial ride-out to celebrate life of Ceiran Evans, 18

The family of Ceiran Evans have organised a memorial ride-out to celebrate the life of the 18-year-old, who died following a collision in Gorseinon earlier this month.

The event will honour Ceiran’s love of bikes and vehicles, which his family have described as one of the things he loved most.

His family said Ceiran had worked hard and saved his own money to buy “the bike of his dreams,” and was “so proud of it.” Two days later, they said, he died while riding it.

His mother said she wanted to bring people together “to remember Ceiran, celebrate his life, and honour the passion he had for bikes and vehicles.”

Those taking part will meet at The New Lodge (Legion) at 10am on Sunday 19 July.

The family said everyone is welcome — “motorbikes, cars, and even pushbikes” — whether they knew Ceiran personally or simply want to show their support.

In a message to the community, his family thanked people “for every message, every kind word, and every bit of support you have shown our family.”

“The love from the community has been overwhelming during the hardest time of our lives,” they said.

“Nothing will ever take away the pain of losing Ceiran, but knowing how loved he was and seeing everyone come together for him means more than words can say.”

The tribute was signed with love from Ceiran’s mother, stepfather, grandparents, his brother and sister, and his auntie.

Ceiran’s family paid tribute to him earlier this month as a much-loved young man with a “kind heart, wicked sense of humour, loving nature, and handsome smile.”

A man has been charged in connection with Ceiran’s death and is before the courts.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

GORSEINON: ‘Always loved, always remembered’ — family pay tribute to Ceiran Evans, 18
The family’s tribute to their “precious baby boy.”

GORSEINON: Man charged with murder of Ceiran Evans, 18 — and attempted murder of second victim
The charge announced by South Wales Police.

GORSEINON: ‘Always loved, always remembered’ — family pay tribute to Ceiran Evans, 18

The family of Ceiran Evans, the 18-year-old who died following a collision in Gorseinon last week, have paid tribute to him.

In a statement issued through South Wales Police, his family described him as a much-loved young man who “will be missed every single day.”

“Ceiran was loved more than any words can say,” they said.

“His kind heart, wicked sense of humour, loving nature, and handsome smile brought so much joy to everyone who knew him.”

“He will forever be our precious baby boy; always loved, always remembered, and never forgotten.”

Ceiran died at the scene after a collision between a car and an off-road bike on Pen Cae Crwn Road on Thursday.

Five men were arrested in the days that followed, as detectives appealed for footage from seven roads in the area.

On Saturday, Tyler Ford, 18, from Morriston, was charged with murder, and with the attempted murder of a second victim. He was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court today.

The death has been strongly felt in Gorseinon, where ward councillors described it as “a devastating loss for our community” — thanking emergency services and residents, and urging people not to share footage of the incident or fuel speculation online while the investigation continues.

South Wales Police have continued to appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has video footage, to come forward.

Information can be passed to the force online, or by calling 101, quoting reference 2600218457.

Anyone who would prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

GORSEINON: Man charged with murder of Ceiran Evans, 18 — and attempted murder of second victim
The charge announced by South Wales Police on Saturday.

GORSEINON: ‘A devastating loss for our community’ — councillors urge people not to share footage as five remain in custody
Ward councillors’ response as the investigation continued.

GORSEINON: Man, 18, dies after collision between car and off-road bike — as man arrested on suspicion of murder
Our first report of Thursday’s collision.

GORSEINON: Man charged with murder of Ceiran Evans, 18 — and attempted murder of second victim

Tyler Ford, 18, from Morriston, has been charged with the murder of 18-year-old Ceiran Evans, who died following a collision in Gorseinon on Thursday.

Ford has also been charged with the attempted murder of a second victim, South Wales Police said.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 July.

Police were called to Pen Cae Crwn Road, Gorseinon, at around 1pm on Thursday 9 July following a report of a collision involving a car and an off-road bike.

An 18-year-old man involved in the collision died.

The force said that although formal identification has not yet taken place, the family of Ceiran Evans, from Gorseinon, is being supported and kept updated by specially trained family liaison officers.

A 19-year-old man remains in hospital.

The charge follows a series of arrests over recent days, with five men having been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Ward councillors in Gorseinon have urged people not to share footage of the incident online while the investigation continues.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

GORSEINON: ‘A devastating loss for our community’ — councillors urge people not to share footage
Ward councillors thank emergency services and residents.

GORSEINON: Three further arrests over fatal collision
Five men were taken into custody as the investigation widened.

GORSEINON: Man, 18, dies after collision between car and off-road bike
How the investigation began on Thursday afternoon.

GORSEINON: ‘A devastating loss for our community’ — councillors urge people not to share footage as five remain in custody

Gorseinon‘s councillors have spoken of “a devastating loss for our community” — urging people not to share footage or fuel speculation online as the investigation into Thursday’s fatal collision continues.

An 18-year-old man died at the scene of the collision between a car and an off-road bike on Pen Cae Crwn Road at 12.58pm on Thursday. A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries.

Five men remain in custody, three of them held on suspicion of murder.

In a joint statement, ward councillors Andrew Stevens, Jan Curtice and Nicola Matthews said their thoughts were with the family and loved ones of those involved.

“This is a devastating loss for our community,” they said.

The councillors thanked the emergency services, council teams and health services for their swift response — describing the multi-agency effort on the day and since as “outstanding” — along with local residents who supported officers at the scene.

They also issued a direct plea about what is posted online: “Please be mindful of what you post and share online. Speculation and misinformation can harm the investigation and cause real distress to the families involved.”

“Police have asked that footage from the incident is not shared. Please leave the investigation to the authorities,” they added.

South Wales Police detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses who have not yet spoken to officers, and for dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage from between 8am and 2.30pm on Thursday.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with footage from Pen Cae Crwn Road, Pontardulais Road, Brynteg Road, Cecil Road, Heol Y Mynydd, Brighton Road, or the track road between Cecil Road and Heol Y Mynydd.

Footage and information can be submitted via the force’s online portal, by calling 101 quoting reference 2600218457, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Support is available for anyone who witnessed the incident or its aftermath, through the force’s contact routes above or via NHS 111 (option 2) — and the councillors said residents needing help with any local authority matter could contact them directly by email.

If you have been affected by this story, support is available from Samaritans on 116 123, free, at any time.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

GORSEINON: Three further arrests over fatal collision — with five men now in custody
Friday afternoon’s update from South Wales Police.

GORSEINON: Second man arrested on suspicion of murder after 18-year-old’s death
Friday morning’s update as police thanked the community.

GORSEINON: Man, 18, dies after collision between car and off-road bike
Thursday night’s first update from South Wales Police.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/1081558/ Health board issues apology as staff and patients bemoan soaring temperatures at hospital #Health #Healthcare #Morriston #MorristonHospital #NHS #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #WalesWeather

GORSEINON: Three further arrests over fatal collision — with five men now in custody

Three further arrests have been made over Thursday’s fatal collision in Gorseinon — bringing the number of men in custody to five.

A 33-year-old man from Gorseinon has been arrested on suspicion of murder, South Wales Police said in an update at 4.28pm on Friday.

A 38-year-old man from Gowerton and a 38-year-old man from Mount Pleasant have both been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The arrests follow that of an 18-year-old man from Morriston on Thursday, on suspicion of murder and dangerous driving offences, and of an 18-year-old man from Gorseinon on Friday morning, on suspicion of murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

Three of the five men are now held on suspicion of murder.

An 18-year-old man died at the scene following the collision between a car and an off-road bike on Pen Cae Crwn Road at 12.58pm on Thursday. A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries.

The force said the investigation remains ongoing, and thanked the public for their support during what it described as “a traumatic time for both those involved and the wider community of Gorseinon”.

All roads closed after the incident have reopened, except the lane running alongside Cecil Road, and an increased police presence is expected in the area for some time.

Police have asked people not to share social media footage of the incident while the investigation continues.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses who have not yet spoken to officers, and for dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage from between 8am and 2.30pm on Thursday.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with footage from Pen Cae Crwn Road, Pontardulais Road, Brynteg Road, Cecil Road, Heol Y Mynydd, Brighton Road, or the track road between Cecil Road and Heol Y Mynydd.

Footage and information can be submitted via the force’s online portal, by calling 101 quoting reference 2600218457, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Support is available for anyone who witnessed the incident or its aftermath, through the force’s contact routes above or via NHS 111 (option 2).

If you have been affected by this story, support is available from Samaritans on 116 123, free, at any time.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

GORSEINON: Second man arrested on suspicion of murder after 18-year-old’s death — as police thank community for support
Friday morning’s update from South Wales Police.

GORSEINON: Man, 18, dies after collision between car and off-road bike — as man arrested on suspicion of murder
Thursday night’s first update from South Wales Police.

GORSEINON: Roads closed for more than six hours as police deal with serious incident
How the day unfolded as the town was shut off.

GORSEINON: Second man arrested on suspicion of murder after 18-year-old’s death — as police thank community for support

A second man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of an 18-year-old in Gorseinon on Thursday.

An 18-year-old man from Gorseinon was arrested on suspicion of murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, South Wales Police said in an update on Friday.

An 18-year-old man from Morriston, whose arrest was announced on Thursday night, is being held on suspicion of murder, dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drugs, and driving with a controlled drug above the specified limit.

Both men remain in police custody.

The arrests follow a collision between a car and an off-road bike on Pen Cae Crwn Road at 12.58pm on Thursday, in which an 18-year-old man died at the scene. A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries.

All roads closed after the incident have now reopened, except the lane running alongside Cecil Road.

Detective Chief Inspector Danielle Thorne of the Major Crime Investigation Team said the force’s “thoughts and condolences remain with the family and loved ones”, who are receiving specialist support, and asked for their privacy to be respected.

She also thanked the people of Gorseinon for the support shown to officers during the investigation — including bringing them water and sun cream in the heat.

Police say they are aware of social media footage of the incident circulating, and have asked people not to share it while the investigation continues.

An increased police presence is expected in the area for some time.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses who have not yet spoken to officers, and for dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage from between 8am and 2.30pm on Thursday.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with footage from Pen Cae Crwn Road, Pontardulais Road, Brynteg Road, Cecil Road, Heol Y Mynydd, Brighton Road, or the track road between Cecil Road and Heol Y Mynydd.

Footage and information can be submitted via the force’s online portal, by calling 101 quoting reference 2600218457, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Support is also available for anyone who witnessed the incident or its aftermath, through the force’s contact routes above or via NHS 111 (option 2).

If you have been affected by this story, support is available from Samaritans on 116 123, free, at any time.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

GORSEINON: Man, 18, dies after collision between car and off-road bike — as man arrested on suspicion of murder
Thursday night’s first update from South Wales Police.

GORSEINON: Roads closed for more than six hours as police deal with serious incident
How the day unfolded as the town was shut off.

GORSEINON: Man, 18, dies after collision between car and off-road bike — as man arrested on suspicion of murder

A man has died following a collision involving a car and an off-road bike in Gorseinon — and another man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

South Wales Police were called to Pen Cae Crwn Road at 12.58pm on Thursday. Paramedics attended, and one man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the force said the family of an 18-year-old from Swansea has been informed.

A second man, aged 19, was taken to hospital with injuries.

An 18-year-old man from Morriston has been arrested on suspicion of murder, dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drugs, and driving with a controlled drug above the specified limit. He remains in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Danielle Thorne, of the force’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “I understand the concern in the local community as a result of this investigation and want to thank them for their continued patience and understanding at this time.”

“There is significant police activity in the area, and will continue to be for several hours,” she said, adding that officers were “working at pace to conduct enquiries in this complex investigation”.

Pen Cae Crwn Road remains closed between Cecil Road, from the junction with High Street, to the junction with Frampton Road. Brighton Road, Brynteg Road and Pontardulais Road are also closed.

DCI Thorne said significant resources were working to lift the closures as soon as possible, and asked residents needing urgent access to speak to an officer at the scene.

The incident shut large parts of Gorseinon from lunchtime, with the Welsh Ambulance Service sending critical care support in a Wales Air Ambulance helicopter and responding to two calls in the town within minutes of each other.

Police are appealing for witnesses who have not yet spoken to officers, and for dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage recorded between 8am and 2.30pm on Thursday.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with footage from Pen Cae Crwn Road, Pontardulais Road, Brynteg Road, Cecil Road, Heol Y Mynydd, the track road between Cecil Road and Heol Y Mynydd, or Brighton Road.

Footage and information can be submitted via the force’s online portal, by calling 101 quoting reference 2600218457, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

GORSEINON: Roads closed for more than six hours as police deal with serious incident
How the day unfolded as the town was shut off.

SWANSEA: Everything you need to know as Morriston and Mumbles head to the polls next Thursday

Voters in two parts of Swansea go to the polls next Thursday, with council by-elections being held in both Morriston and Mumbles on the same day.

The two vacancies have very different causes — one following the death of a long-serving councillor, the other triggered by the Senedd election — and they are the city’s second and third by-elections in a matter of weeks, after the Liberal Democrats took Fairwood from the Conservatives last month in a contest that followed the death of former Lord Mayor Paxton Hood-Williams.

The Morriston by-election follows the death of long-serving councillor Robert Francis-Davies, who passed away in May after 43 years of service.

Known across the city as RFD, he was the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration, tourism and events at the time of his death — and over more than four decades was a prominent voice for Swansea’s sporting and cultural landmarks, credited with helping deliver the Swansea.com Stadium and the National Waterfront Museum.

Tributes following his death described him as a “true Swansea legend” — and this week a giant graffiti tribute bearing his initials appeared on the front wall of St Helen’s stadium, alongside the words “The Legacy Remains in Place”.

Among the six candidates hoping to succeed him is his daughter — Rebecca Francis-Davies, standing for Welsh Labour, the party her father represented throughout his time on the council — meaning Morriston voters will decide whether the seat stays in the family.

The full list of candidates, in ballot paper order:

• Graham Ashby — Reform UK
• Rebecca Elizabeth Francis-Davies — Welsh Labour
• Idin Ghotbi — Welsh Conservatives
• Hayden Lewis — Welsh Liberal Democrats
• Gareth Paul Schofield — Wales Green Party
• Ioan Marc Warlow — Plaid Cymru

The Mumbles by-election was triggered by the departure of Francesca O’Brien, who was elected to the Senedd for Gŵyr Abertawe at May’s election.

Ms O’Brien was first elected to the council as a Conservative before joining Reform UK in August last year — meaning Reform is defending a seat it has never won at a council ballot box.

Seven candidates are standing in Mumbles. In ballot paper order, they are:

• Emilie Cox — Reform UK
• Dorian Davies — Independent
• Jim Hehir — Welsh Liberal Democrats
• David William Lewis — Welsh Labour
• Tricia Sanderson — Plaid Cymru
• Hannah Williams — Welsh Conservatives
• Rich Williams — Wales Green Party

The statement of persons nominated records that Mr Davies, standing as an Independent, declared membership of Reform UK between May 2025 and May this year — meaning a former Reform member is on the ballot alongside the party’s official candidate.

The notice also records that Ms Sanderson, standing for Plaid Cymru, declared membership of Mebyon Kernow — the Cornish nationalist party — over the same period.

The Fairwood result showed how unpredictable these contests can be — and Thursday’s two polls are the latest test of where Swansea politics stands since the Senedd election saw Reform UK make an historic breakthrough across Wales, and since the campaign saw a public row erupt between the council’s Labour leader and Ms O’Brien.

Polling stations in both wards will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 18 June, with one councillor to be elected in each ward. Postal votes have already been issued.

Anyone wanting to check their polling station can do so via Swansea Council’s website.

Swansea Bay News will bring you the results from both counts.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

FAIRWOOD: Lib Dems take Swansea seat from Conservatives in by-election following death of former Lord Mayor
The surprise result in the city’s first by-election of the post-Senedd era.

SWANSEA: Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies dies — tributes paid to ‘true Swansea legend’ after 43 years of service
The tributes that followed the Morriston councillor’s death in May.

ST HELEN’S: ‘The legacy remains in place’ — giant graffiti tribute to Swansea legend RFD appears on stadium wall
Our exclusive interview with the artist behind the tribute.

SENEDD ELECTION 2026: The new political map of Wales
How May’s election transformed the region’s representation.

DVLA FRAUD: Swansea insider jailed after doctoring car records in £1.3m scam

A DVLA worker who used his job to doctor vehicle records in an organised fraud has been jailed.

Matthew Holloway, 32, abused his position at the agency’s Swansea office to falsify car paperwork, a court heard.

His changes inflated the value of the vehicles involved by almost £1.3m, and cost the DVLA itself £117,500.

Holloway, from the Birchgrove area of Swansea, was sentenced to five years and three months at Swansea Crown Court.

He had worked in the DVLA’s special registration team — described in court as a position of trust and responsibility.

Holloway conspired with two Swansea car dealers, Ashley Harris, 44, and Joshua Sawyer, 32, who paid him to manipulate records for their businesses.

Harris, from Llansamlet, was jailed for two years and eight months. Sawyer, from Morriston, was sentenced to two years and four months.

All three had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud between January 2021 and July 2022.

The court heard Holloway ran what the prosecution called a “systematic campaign” of vehicle document tampering.

He removed registered keepers from logbooks and inserted new names, altered vehicle identification numbers, and stripped out markers showing cars had been written off.

In one instance, his alterations allowed a Ferrari that had been written off in Australia to be sold in the UK under false documentation.

In another, he doctored the records of a Mercedes-AMG so many times that the prosecutor suggested it might point to use in criminal activity.

Holloway also worked for others not before the court, in one case issuing false identity documents for a stolen Range Rover that was then sold to an innocent buyer.

Harris and Sawyer paid Holloway around £23,400 between them for circumventing the agency’s usual controls.

Judge Huw Rees told the men that “greed is at the heart of each of you defendants and your offending”.

He described the case as “organised and sophisticated criminality which has been committed for selfish gain”.

Holloway, who was in tears in the dock, was told his actions represented “a substantial fall from grace”.

Lisa McCarthy, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said Holloway had held a trusted position and exploited it for financial benefit, as had Harris and Sawyer.

She said their offending had “risked corrupting the UK’s vehicle registration system”, which the public, motor trade and law enforcement rely on for accurate information.

The DVLA said the case was a serious breach of trust by a former employee, who was dismissed once the fraud was identified.

A spokesperson said the agency had since strengthened its internal controls to help prevent similar activity.

A proceeds of crime hearing in relation to the case is due to be held in October.

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KNIFE ATTACK: Four jailed after violent disorder outside St Helen’s Road takeaway
A separate case sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.

New data shows almost HALF of all UK cigarettes smoked pay no tax
Swansea ranked among the highest in the UK for illegal vape seizures.

MORRISTON: Stalker jailed after resuming campaign of terror against ex-partner within weeks of release

35-year-old Matthew Samuel, formerly of Vicarage Road, Morriston, Swansea, but now of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress and breach of a restraining order.

The court heard Samuel has 31 previous convictions for 52 offences, among them stalking, harassment, and breaching restraining orders relating to two earlier former partners.

His past behaviour included threatening to pour petrol through one ex-partner’s letterbox and to “chop her up and burn her alive,” whilst on a separate occasion, Samuel poured petrol over the driveway of another former partner and set it alight.

In October 2024, Samuel received an 18-month prison sentence for stalking the same woman at the centre of the latest case. On that occasion, the court heard he had made her life “a misery” through unwanted and threatening calls, texts, and visits – ringing her as many as 93 times in a single day.

Samuel had also threatened to turn up at her children’s play centre and stab himself in front of everyone, and told her he would “make sure she loses everything” by spreading rumours she was ill-treating her children.

Prosecutor Sian Cutter told the court the pair had been in a relationship for around six months before it ended due to Samuel’s jealousy.

Following his release from prison in March 2025, he “almost immediately” made contact with the woman again despite the restraining order in place. The court heard the woman initially did not object to the contact and at times had been the one to reach out to Samuel.

However, after she made clear she wanted nothing more to do with him, Samuel launched a fresh campaign of harassment. He called her from withheld numbers up to 75 times in a single day, sent a barrage of messages, contacted her on Facebook, and set up multiple TikTok accounts under different names so he could follow and message her.

Samuel also telephoned the police pretending to be the woman’s cousin to report concerns for her welfare, and attended the school her children go to while wearing a balaclava.

During the course of the stalking, Samuel made a series of threats including telling the woman he would throw a brick through her window and that he was going to murder her. In one message he told her: “You are mine. You will always be mine.”

The matter was reported to police in October and Samuel was arrested. He answered “no comment” to all questions in interview and was released on bail with a condition not to contact his ex-partner – but carried on regardless.

When the woman changed her phone, Samuel obtained her new number and resumed calling and texting from withheld numbers. In one call, he told her “there was nothing she could say or do to make him leave her alone”.

He was arrested again in January and once more gave “no comment” responses throughout his interview.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said she now struggles to sleep and feels she is constantly being “watched” whenever she leaves the house, yet does not feel safe at home either. She said she is on antidepressant medication and had been left feeling “frightened and powerless”.

David Singh, representing Samuel, said pre-sentence and psychiatric reports detailed the defendant’s “difficult background” and the impact this had on his ability to form appropriate relationships.

While those circumstances did not justify what he described as his client’s “inexcusable behaviour”, they provided context. He acknowledged Samuel had made things worse through his use of drink and drugs, and said the defendant has two young children and recognises he must change or risk losing meaningful contact with them.

Sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas KC told Samuel:

“You are an extremely jealous, very immature man who simply needs to grow up. Above that, I think you are potentially a risk to any woman who you are in a relationship with.

“The court has a duty to protect women. The only way it can do that is to keep you out of the way.”

Samuel received a three-year prison sentence for stalking and two years and three months for the restraining order breach, to run concurrently.

A one-quarter discount was applied for his guilty pleas. He will serve up to half the sentence in custody before being released on licence. The existing restraining order will remain in place until 2029.

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

MORRISTON: Plans submitted to demolish former Tan Y Lan school for 24 affordable flats — with Victorian building set to be lost

Plans have been submitted to demolish the former Ysgol Gymraeg Tan Y Lan school in Morriston and replace it with 24 affordable apartments.

The proposals – submitted by Dyfed Developments SPV2 Ltd through planning agent Asbri Planning – would see the existing buildings on the Tan Y Lan Terrace site cleared to make way for a new C-shaped block of flats.

The site has stood vacant since the new £9.9 million Tan Y Lan School opened nearby in 2022, drawing pupils away from the original site.

Under the new proposals, the development would deliver 18 one-bedroom apartments and six two-bedroom apartments – all of which would be classified as affordable housing.

The developer says the apartments would be energy-efficient with an EPC A rating, and the scheme includes 24 parking spaces – one per apartment.

The proposal was reduced from 27 flats to 24 during pre-application discussions with Swansea Council.

The revised C-shaped block has been designed to step down the slope towards Vicarage Road – reducing the visual impact and meaning the building would appear as just two storeys when viewed from the streetscene.

However, the proposals would result in the loss of the site’s Victorian stone school building – a structure the developer’s own Design and Access Statement acknowledges is “considered to be of heritage value as a result of their materials, architectural form and their location within the historic built and natural fabric.”

The site sits 250 metres west of the Morriston Conservation Area, although the Victorian building itself is not formally listed.

Two single-storey demountable classroom buildings – which were used by the school in its later years on the site – would also be demolished as part of the works.

The development would also require the loss of a number of trees, although the developer has committed to retaining a silver birch tree at the centre of the site and incorporating it into new communal gardens.

The Design and Access Statement acknowledges that approximately half of the site lies within Natural Resources Wales’ flood zones two and three for surface water and small watercourse flooding.

Sustainable urban drainage systems including rain gardens and bio-retention features would be incorporated into the scheme to manage surface water on the site.

The proposed apartments would be a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units arranged across three floors.

According to the planning documents, the proposed external materials would include facing brick in various colours, fibre cement roof slates, and grey-finished windows and French doors.

The developer says the site is well-located for sustainable transport, lying within walking distance of Morriston Park, a supermarket, pharmacy and church, and being served by the number 24, 45 and 142 bus services that operate between Morriston Hospital and the city centre.

The site lies less than four miles north of Swansea city centre and is within easy reach of Llansamlet and junction 45 of the M4.

The Tan Y Lan school site has a long history in the local community, having served as Ysgol Gymraeg Tan Y Lan – one of the area’s Welsh-medium primary schools – until pupils moved to the new site in 2022.

Pupils at the school created a lasting legacy ahead of the move, with various keepsake projects undertaken to mark the end of an era at the original site.

A formal pre-application consultation on the proposed scheme is now under way, giving members of the public an opportunity to comment on the plans before a full planning application is submitted to Swansea Council.

Members of the public have until 1 June 2026 to make representations on the proposed development.

Comments should be sent to Asbri Planning by email to [email protected], or by post to Asbri Planning Ltd, Suite D, 1st Floor, 220 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW.

Following the conclusion of the consultation, a full planning application will be submitted to Swansea Council for determination – with all responses to the consultation forming part of the supporting documents.

The story of Ysgol Gymraeg Tan Y Lan

Tan Y Lan pupils and staff start new year in new home
The moment pupils moved into the new £9.9m Welsh-medium school in 2022.

Pupils create lasting legacy ahead of move to new school
How pupils marked the end of an era at the original Tan Y Lan school site.

Pupils gain insight into construction at £9.9m new school
Tan Y Lan pupils were given a behind-the-scenes look at their new school being built.

Tan Y Lan pupils get building thanks to Swansea school contractors
How the contractors building the new school engaged with the pupils who would soon move in.

Good progress on five major Swansea school projects
Tan Y Lan featured among the major school capital projects under way across Swansea.

MORRISTON: Work begins to save crumbling historic house

Work is finally moving forward to protect one of Morriston’s most recognisable – and long-neglected – buildings.

The Grade II-listed Danbert House, a striking Victorian townhouse on Morfydd Street, has stood empty for decades – but now fresh efforts are underway to safeguard what remains.

Backed by funding from Swansea Council and the Welsh Government, the next phase of work is focusing on understanding the building’s true condition.

Scaffolding has now been installed both inside and out, allowing specialists safe access to carry out a detailed historic survey of the structure.

Despite its deteriorated state, Danbert House remains a well-known local landmark, originally built in the 1880s for tinplate manufacturer Daniel Edwards and named after his ‘Danbert’ brand.

The building is privately owned, and the current owner is working to create a full and accurate record of its condition. This will be submitted to the Royal Commission to guide any future restoration in line with official heritage requirements.

Councillor David Hopkins said the progress marks an important step forward.

He said: “Danbert House is a well-known Morriston landmark and an important part of the area’s heritage.

“While it has sadly been in a derelict state for many years, it’s encouraging to see positive progress being made.

“These grants will help enable the specialist access and surveys needed to fully understand the building’s condition and plan the next stages of safeguarding and restoration.”

Funding for the work has come through the council’s Economic Stimulus Fund alongside the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

While there’s still a long road ahead, the latest developments raise fresh hopes that the historic building could one day be brought back into use.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Future of iconic Swiss Cottage in doubt again
Concerns grow over the long-term future of the historic Singleton Park landmark.

£803k boost for Port Talbot bridge plans
Funding secured to explore the future of a key Grade II-listed structure.

Former rugby star takes on iconic city building
High-profile figure steps in to help restore a well-known Swansea site.

Work progresses on historic copperworks site
Plans move forward to transform a heritage building into a new restaurant destination.

£134k grant boosts chapel restoration
Funding helps preserve a significant historic building in Llanelli.

Swansea opticians practice holds 40th anniversary celebration

Charles Richards, director at Bater & Stout in Woodfield Street, Morriston, was joined by the original founders of the practice, Lindsay and Louise Bater, at a special event on Tuesday, 3 March, to mark the important milestone. 

Originally located in Clase Road, the couple took over from Philip Rees in 1986 and re-opened the practice as Bater Opticians following a complete refurbishment. 

Later, a first-floor extension was added to accommodate a glazing laboratory, allowing the practice to offer same-day service for glasses. The couple went on to own three further practices, occasionally in partnership, at Singleton Hospital, Gorseinon and Pontarddulais, and in 1996, moved from the Clase Road premises to the current location in Woodfield Street.

In 2013, Tony Stout bought the business from the Baters and rebranded the branch as Bater & Stout Opticians, with the other practices also changing hands.

Lindsay and Louise Bater retired in 2019 and in 2020, the now-director Charles Richards joined Bater & Stout Opticians as a Dispensing Optician, working alongside Tony. 

Charles, who had worked in Boots Opticians for 15 years, said:

“When Tony interviewed me for the job, he asked me if I’d ever considered owning my own business. I had managed practices before but owning one seemed like a different kettle of fish.”

Charles was given first refusal when Tony decided to sell the business in 2023 shortly before retiring, with Charles taking on the business with his wife Sian, an optometrist. 

“Having your own business really gives you a reason to get up in the morning, knowing you are helping people. Sian and I work well together, although we don’t see much of each other through the day as I’m on the shop floor and she’s in the consulting rooms conducting eye examinations.

“These days we are seeing a number of independent practices closing their doors when people retire because finding someone to take it on as a going concern can be difficult, so we were keen to make sure Bater & Stout continued.” 

After 40 years, Bater & Stout continues to look after patients across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and beyond, with loyal patients travelling from as far afield as Canada, London and Pembrokeshire.

Charles added: “We are a real community here – we are known for offering affordable care to the local community and we have seen generations of patients come through the door. We have a good solid core of patients who have continued to support the practice through its past iterations because of the level of care provided.

“We have patients living away at university who return for sight tests, glasses and contact lenses with regularity. We’ve even had patients return from overseas for their check-ups.

“It’s also great to still see the original founders, Lindsay and Louise, as they are now our patients.”

As to the future, Charles said: “We have just opened a third consulting room as the business is growing quite rapidly through word of mouth. We are looking forward to welcoming new generations of patients and carrying on the legacy of Bater & Stout.”

Bater & Stout’s celebration event included Prosecco, cake and raffle, along with exclusive offers on a range of luxury brands.

For more details visit https://www.baterandstoutopticians.co.uk

Morriston man jailed after police uncover thousands of child abuse images

Kyle Jones, 42, was first flagged to officers when a Kik messaging account linked to him uploaded Category A child abuse videos online in 2023. He denied everything in interview — but the evidence told a very different story.

A joint investigation by South Wales Police’s Online Investigation Team and the Digital Forensics Unit traced the material back to devices belonging to Jones. What they found was vast and serious: thousands of images and videos, including a large number in the most extreme category.

Jones eventually admitted a string of offences. He had been making and distributing indecent images of children, as well as possessing prohibited images and extreme material involving animals.

He has now been jailed for 28 months.

Detective Constable Thomas Connick said Jones “knew exactly what he was doing” and that his actions had caused “immense distress” to his family and community.

“Offences involving these images are not victimless,” he said. “People who access them create a demand that can only be met by the further abuse of vulnerable individuals. South Wales Police will continue to target anyone who enables or encourages this.”

MORRISTON: Salon owner from travelling community named national beauty finalist

Tammy Cawley, who owns Beauty Haven in Morriston, has been shortlisted for the ‘Best Brows (Non-SPMU) of the Year’ award just 11 months after opening her business.

Tammy said she built her business from scratch with “no hand-downs or shortcuts,” driven by a passion for helping people feel confident in themselves.

Coming from the travelling community, Tammy says she is proud to see more women from her background becoming independent and building their own paths in life.

She said it is something that is becoming more common and she finds it “incredibly inspiring.”

“I love seeing other travelling and gypsy girls working hard, building businesses and creating opportunities for themselves,” Tammy said, adding that she will “always root for them.”

She believes it’s a positive shift, especially as it hasn’t always been this way in the past.

Beauty Haven, which specialises in brows, lashes, facials and aesthetics, was created to be a welcoming and supportive environment where clients can relax.

Known for her warm and friendly “girls’ girl” energy, Tammy says one of the most rewarding parts of her work is building genuine relationships with her clients.

She said she was “incredibly proud” to be recognised at a national level and was grateful to the clients who continue to support her small business.

The winners of the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026 will be announced later this year.

Swansea’s coat of arms to return to street signs

The move, which the council says will be a “cost-free addition”, will see the historic crest return to street signs as part of the regular replacement programme for damaged or missing nameplates, a move designed to celebrate the city’s heritage.

The council said the new signs will also be more resilient to the weather, ensuring they last longer.

“The city crest is part of our shared heritage,” said Cllr Andrew Stevens,, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure Management.

“By adding them to street signs as we did many years ago will help celebrate our shared history and add to our sense of shared identity.”

The announcement, made on the council’s Facebook page, has generated significant public discussion. The first of the new signs have been installed in Morriston.

Cllr Stevens added that the idea had been suggested by a number of people and that it “does add a stylish new look to the nameplates.”

He also provided some historical context for the crest, which includes the city’s Latin motto, ‘Floreat Swansea’, meaning ‘Let Swansea Flourish’.

The crest itself is rich with symbolism representing the city’s history. The blue and white wavy lines signify Swansea’s status as a seaport, while the castle represents its medieval fortifications. An osprey, long associated with the city, forms the crest, and the shield is supported by a lion, representing the de Braos family who were Lords of Gower, and a dragon, representing Wales.

“The origin of our city’s coat of arms is lost to history, but the one we’re using now dates back more than a century to 1922 when it was granted by the College of Arms. Since then it’s had additions as Swansea has flourished from a town to the city we live in today.”

‘Worst he’s seen in 33 years’ – Council appeals for witnesses after 70 trees vandalised in Swansea park

The council has described the damage as the worst example of tree vandalism a staff member has seen in 33 years of service. The issue has been reported to South Wales Police and the council is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Almost all the new trees planted in the much-loved community park over the last 15 years have been attacked. Parks staff discovered last week that the trees had been hacked at with a knife or small bladed tool, with the bark stripped away by pulling.

Among the damaged trees were cherry trees donated to Swansea by the Japanese consulate in Wales.

Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Swansea Council, condemned the attack, calling it an “insult to the local community.”

“Someone will know who did this and I’d urge them to come forward and report it to police. They can do it anonymously if they want,” he said.

“The extent of the damage to so many trees would have taken a long time with a concerted effort, going tree to tree both sides of the paths and off into the centre of muddy fields. Cherry trees donated to Swansea by the Japanese consulate in Wales were not spared. It’s just very shaming.”

He added:

“This kind of damage is shocking and an insult to the local community that’s seen these trees grow and thrive.”

Parc Llewelyn recently celebrated the opening of an upgraded play area, making it a popular destination for families in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to report it to the police, quoting crime reference number 2600037943.

Morriston man jailed for life after murdering his brother in brutal attack at Clase home

41‑year‑old Darren Steel was told he will serve a minimum of 20 years for killing 48‑year‑old Martin Steel at the victim’s home on Hill View Crescent, Clase, in May 2023. He was also sentenced for two separate assaults committed in the days before the murder.

A jury at Swansea Crown Court found Steel guilty of murder on Tuesday after rejecting his claim that he acted in self‑defence. Today, Judge Geraint Walters said Steel had launched a “frenzied” and “out‑of‑all‑proportion” attack driven by “uncontrolled rage” fuelled by drink and drugs.

Judge: ‘You intended to silence him. To kill him.’

Sentencing Steel, Judge Walters said he was sure the defendant intended to kill his brother during the assault in the early hours of 20 May.

He said Steel had “tailored” his account to fit the evidence and had done “absolutely nothing” to save his brother’s life after inflicting the fatal injuries.

The judge told him:

“Your intention at that moment in time was to silence him. To kill him. That was born from uncontrolled rage which was a consequence of the cocktail of drink and drugs you had voluntarily consumed.”

He said Martin had been subjected to a “horrific beating” in his own home and was left to die in an armchair, where he was later found by his mother.

Mother: ‘Every night I see him slumped in his chair, beaten to a pulp’

In a deeply emotional victim impact statement, Martin’s mother, Diane Steel, described the moment she found her son’s body as “the day my life changed forever”.

She said:

“Every night when I close my eyes to go to sleep I see Martin slumped in his chair, beaten to a pulp and covered in blood. Completely unrecognisable. Murdered at the hands of his little brother.”

She told the court she had “lost both my children in this tragedy — to death and to prison”, adding that she would now face her final years “without either of my boys by my side”.

Daughters describe trauma of losing their father

Martin’s daughters, Natasha and Surrie, also read statements describing the lasting impact of their father’s death.

Natasha said her father’s murder had left a trauma that “has never left me”, adding that he was not there to walk her down the aisle — something she had imagined all her life.

Surrie described her father as “funny, kind and charming”, saying her children had lost a grandfather and her baby daughter would only know him through photographs.

She said Steel’s conduct during the trial “sickened” the family and that he had shown “not an ounce of remorse”.

A pattern of violence in the days before the murder

The court heard that Steel’s violence escalated in the days leading up to the killing.

On 18 May, he tied a man — Julien Samuel — to a chair with parcel tape, repeatedly punched him, forced his thumbs into the man’s eyes and held a hunting knife to his throat. The following day, he assaulted him again with the help of his brother.

Steel was convicted of grievous bodily harm against Mr Samuel and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against his then‑partner, Dawn Begley, at an earlier trial. He received concurrent sentences of three years and one year for those offences.

Judge Walters described Steel as a “career criminal” with a long history of violence, saying he was “punch‑happy” and had a “very real propensity to use violence which is indiscriminate”.

Police: ‘The ultimate betrayal’

South Wales Police said the case had caused “significant” distress to the family and the communities of Clase and Morriston.

Detective Inspector Stuart Prendiville said Steel had committed “the ultimate betrayal” against his brother and caused further anguish by forcing the family through two trials.

He said:

“Darren Steel is a violent and dangerous individual and the life sentence and minimum tariff of 20 years is wholly justified in this case.”

Police also released footage of the moment Steel was arrested:

A community shaken by a killing inside the family home

The murder shocked neighbours in Hill View Crescent, who raised the alarm after seeing Martin’s dog running loose outside on the morning of 20 May. When knocks on the door went unanswered, they contacted his mother.

She arrived to find her son slumped in a chair, either dead or close to death. Steel, heavily intoxicated, had given police a false name when arrested and later lied repeatedly about what happened.

Judge Walters said the grief caused to Martin’s loved ones was “irreparable”.

Steel will serve at least 20 years before he can apply for parole. The judge said it may be that he is never released.

Swansea’s road repair blitz ramps up as new resurfacing crews hit the streets

The council says an additional £300,000 has been pumped into the programme, allowing teams to tackle more potholes, worn‑out stretches and weather‑damaged routes after weeks of cold, wet conditions.

Fresh resurfacing lined up across the city

A series of busy roads are now earmarked for work in the coming weeks, including key routes in Clydach, Morriston, Fforestfach, Llansamlet, Clase, Bishopston and Uplands.

Locations scheduled for repairs include:

• Ynyspenllwch Road, Clydach (Ffordd Cwmtawe to Clydach)
• Lone Road, Clydach
• Llanllienwen Road, Morriston
• A48, Morriston (J46 to Bryntywod entrance)
• Carmarthen Road, Fforestfach (Ffordd Cynore to Swansea Road)
• Nantong Way, Llansamlet (outside Royal Mail)
• Rheidol Avenue, Clase
• Bishopston Road, Bishopston
• Maes y Gwernen Road and Drive, Cwmrhydyceirw
• Uplands Crescent

The council says full resurfacing has already been completed at a number of high‑traffic spots, including the Peniel Green Road motorway junction.

‘We’re using every resource we’ve got’

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said crews were working flat out to keep up with demand.

“We are using all of our resources to tackle as many of the highway repair requests as possible,” he said.

“Full resurfacing work is being completed at key traffic spots including the motorway junction at Peniel Green Road. Our small resurfacing teams are also out tackling large areas of road that have been impacted by the recent cold and wet weather.”

Part of a wider £300k pothole and resurfacing blitz

The council says the latest work forms part of the £300,000 pothole and resurfacing blitz announced earlier this winter. According to the authority’s early‑February update, teams filled around 960 potholes in January, with repairs running at “around 100 a day” during the coldest weeks. The same update confirmed that full resurfacing had recently been completed on Peniel Green Road at the M4 junction, along with sections of Frampton Road, Carmarthen Road and Ffynone Road in Uplands.

The council said an extra team had been brought in to “speed up and increase the number of repairs”, with more resurfacing schemes scheduled across the city in the coming weeks as the winter programme continues.

£37m proposed for highways and transport

The council’s proposed budget for 20206/27 is due to be discussed by the council’s cabinet on 19 February. This includes a new Economic Growth Fund which according to the council would include an extra £3m for resurfacing and potholes, taking next year’s roads budget to more than £12m within a wider £37m allocation for highways and transport.

Swansea man found guilty of murdering his own brother after brutal flat attack

A jury at Swansea Crown Court today convicted 41‑year‑old Darren Steel, from Morriston, of murdering his brother 48‑year‑old Martin Steel, whose body was discovered in his flat on Hill View Crescent on the morning of 20 May 2023.

Emergency services were called shortly after 10.30am, but Martin — described in court as a “proud father of two” — could not be saved. He was pronounced dead later that morning.

South Wales Police said the case has “shocked” the communities of Clase and Morriston.

Detective Inspector Stuart Prendiville, South Wales Police, said:

“This has been a long and complex investigation into an incident which has shocked the communities of Clase, Morriston and the wider community of Swansea. Darren Steel committed the ultimate betrayal against his older brother and caused further distress by pleading not guilty and putting the family through the ordeal of not one, but two trials.”

He added that the impact on the family had been “significant”.

‘Horrific beating’

During the trial, jurors heard harrowing evidence about the moments leading up to the discovery of Martin’s body.

Neighbours noticed Martin’s dog whining alone in the garden at around 8.30am. When repeated knocks went unanswered, they contacted Martin’s mother, Dianne Steel, who lived nearby and had planned to go shopping with her son that morning.

She entered the flat and was confronted with what prosecutors called a “horrific sight” — her son slumped in a chair, covered in blood.

Prosecutor Andrew Jones KC told the court Martin had suffered “severe blunt force injuries” to his face and neck, including a fractured voice box. “He had been subjected to a horrific beating in his own home and left to die there,” he said.

The court heard that Darren Steel fled the property, leaving his mother to find her dying son.

‘I may have gone too far’

Witnesses told the jury that Steel later admitted he “may have gone too far” during the attack. He initially gave police a false name when officers located him.

During interviews, Steel claimed he acted in self‑defence and alleged that the brothers had taken heroin the night before. Prosecutors argued the violence went far beyond anything that could be considered reasonable force.

Jurors were shown forensic evidence, photographs from the scene and post‑mortem images. They also heard about two earlier assaults carried out by Steel in the days before his brother’s death — incidents the prosecution said showed “escalating violence”.

Second trial, same verdict

This was the second time a jury had been asked to decide the case. The first trial, held last year, collapsed before jurors were able to reach a verdict, meaning every piece of evidence — from the forensic detail to the moment Martin’s mother found her son — had to be heard all over again in a fresh trial.

After weeks of evidence at the retrial, the new jury today found Steel guilty of murder.

He will be sentenced on Friday, February 13, according to South Wales Police.

The force said they were “relieved” the case had finally concluded. “Our thoughts are with the family,” DI Prendiville said.

Drugged up burglar raided Morriston home while couple slept

Andrew Hancock, 53, had broken into the house on Glantawe Street in Morriston on December 11 last year, claiming he thought the property was “abandoned” as he slurred his words and staggered about.

When confronted by the homeowner, he left – but not before taking Lego, a pack of chocolate bars, and a box of latex gloves. A stolen jacket was later found dumped outside.

Police caught up with Hancock on nearby Bath Road, where he was found carrying a screwdriver, pliers, a torch, and two sets of nail scissors.

The impact on the victims has been devastating. In a statement read to Swansea Crown Court, one of them described how the break-in had worsened his anxiety and PTSD, leaving him “jumping” at every noise. He now suffers flashbacks to finding Hancock in his living room and struggles to sleep. The couple want to move house, having lost their “safe space”.

Hancock’s criminal history is staggering – 73 previous convictions for 206 offences, including 76 thefts, three house burglaries, two non-dwelling burglaries, criminal damage, drug possession, and weapons offences.

Defence barrister Stuart John told the court his client had stayed out of trouble for most of 2025 – “no small thing for a man with as formidable an antecedent record as Mr Hancock” – before buying street Valium.

He’d consumed a “considerable amount” that night and had “little or no recollection of what happened”. Hancock asked his barrister to express his remorse and said he wanted to make changes.

Judge Paul Thomas KC wasn’t having it. He said the true harm of burglary wasn’t the value of what was stolen, but the feelings of “violation” and “lack of security” left behind. He described Hancock as a “persistently dishonest man”, adding that “time alone will tell” whether his promises to change would materialise.

Hancock, of Chemical Road, Morriston, was jailed for three years after admitting burglary and possession of a bladed article. He’ll serve up to half behind bars before being released on licence.

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

Three Swansea men jailed after late‑night revenge arson attack sparked by business fallout

A garage boss, his employee and a long‑time friend have been jailed after a months‑long feud over money escalated into a violent assault and a planned arson attack in Swansea Vale.

A business relationship that turned sour

Police say the trouble began when 44‑year‑old garage owner Gareth Charles, from Morriston, fell out with a former employee over money owed to the business.

What started as a workplace dispute soon turned personal. On 13 May 2025, Charles spotted the man in the street and confronted him. Without warning, he punched him in the face, leaving him bleeding. Officers later described the assault as the first sign of a “revenge‑driven” escalation.

The victim stopped all contact with Charles after the assault — but the resentment didn’t end there.

Car torched outside home in late‑night attack

Four months later, just before midnight in September, the victim’s car — parked outside his home in Swansea Vale — suddenly burst into flames.

Neighbours reported seeing an unidentified man sprinting away from the scene as the fire took hold. The blaze destroyed the vehicle and left residents shocked at the level of escalation.

Detectives quickly arrested Charles. When they examined his mobile phone, they uncovered a series of messages revealing a conspiracy with two other men:

• 32‑year‑old Mathew Membury, from Pentrechwyth
• 47‑year‑old Gareth Rowe, from Clydach

The messages showed the men discussing how the attack would be carried out, including who would be involved and how the fire would be set.

Police say the trio were clearly aware of the risks, with the arson taking place on a residential street close to homes and parked vehicles.

Messages expose the plot

The phone evidence linked all three men to the plan, with discussions about roles, timing and the method of attack. Officers said the messages left little doubt that the fire was a deliberate act of revenge.

All three were charged with conspiring to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered. Charles also faced an additional charge for the earlier assault.

Jail sentences for all three men

All three defendants pleaded guilty.

• Gareth Charles, 44, was jailed for 36 months for the arson conspiracy, plus two months for the assault.
• Mathew Membury, 32, was jailed for 32 months.
• Gareth Rowe, 47, was jailed for 30 months.

Each man will serve up to half their sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Police: “A stupid and reckless plot”

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Holding, South Wales Police, said:

“This was a stupid and reckless plot to take revenge on a former employee over a monetary grievance.

“The senseless actions of Charles, Membury and Rowe could have got somebody seriously injured, and they will have known this when they were committing the offence.

“They should think long and hard about their actions during their time in prison.”

A neighbourhood left shaken

Police say the attack could easily have caused serious harm, with the fire taking place close to homes where families were sleeping.

Officers described the plot as “dangerous, reckless and entirely avoidable”, adding that the case shows how quickly a personal dispute can escalate into criminal violence.

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Serial sex offender jailed after targeting women across Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Merthyr

Nicholas O’Connor, 35, of Cwmrhydyceirw, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after a jury convicted him of twelve sexual offences committed during a series of incidents in 2023 and 2024.

Offending spanned wedding venues, car parks and busy streets

During the trial, the court heard that O’Connor’s behaviour took place in a range of everyday public settings — including a wedding venue in Carmarthenshire, car parks in Morriston and Swansea Enterprise Park, a business on Merthyr High Street, and streets in Swansea neighbourhoods.

Jurors were told that women encountered O’Connor while going about normal daily activities, with several describing him exposing himself without warning. Two women were also sexually assaulted, and another was subjected to an attempted sexual assault.

The offending formed a clear pattern, with police confirming that between 21 September and 23 October 2024, O’Connor exposed himself to nine women across Swansea and Merthyr alone.

Denied everything — and blamed a “medical issue”

Throughout the trial, O’Connor denied intentionally exposing himself or touching anyone. He claimed he suffered from ongoing discomfort and irritation, saying he routinely wore shorts and may have been “adjusting” them.

Jurors rejected that explanation after hearing consistent accounts from multiple women describing similar encounters across different locations and dates.

Convicted of twelve sexual offences

O’Connor was found guilty of:

• Seven counts of exposure
• Four counts of sexual assault
• One count of attempted sexual assault

He was cleared of several other charges but convicted of the majority of the allegations he faced.

Police: “A serious pattern of offending”

Detective Constable Rebecca Brain, who led the investigation, praised the women who came forward.

DC Brain said:

“I would like to say thank you to all of the victims who came forward and reported O’Connor’s actions to us. Each report has helped to demonstrate a serious pattern of offending, which has resulted in today’s sentence.”

She added that O’Connor had repeatedly refused to take responsibility.

DC Brain said:

“O’Connor tried to blame his actions on a medical condition and refused to take accountability for his predatory actions. I hope his sentencing today helps the victims to move forward.”

Two‑year sentence for repeat offender

O’Connor was jailed for two years, with the judge noting the impact on the women involved and the repeated nature of the offending.

He will also be subject to notification requirements as a registered sex offender.

Swansea grandfather who turned redundancy into opportunity is toasting national awards glory

Leslie Whelan, 68, from Morriston, was left devastated when he lost his factory job in his early 50s. With a mortgage to pay and two teenage daughters at home, he faced an uncertain future. But what began as a leap of faith into a new career has now seen him crowned with a coveted Gold award at the Wales Care Awards 2025.

“It was an amazing night, one that I will never, ever forget,” said Leslie. “I didn’t even realise I’d won gold, I thought they were going in reverse order, so I thought I’d won the bronze until I got back to my table! I’ve been doing this job for years, never expecting any awards. The rewards are the people you support, that’s the ultimate for me, but I’m over the moon.”

From redundancy to resilience

Leslie had spent most of his adult life working in cosmetics factories before redundancy forced him to rethink his future.

“It was a very daunting experience,” he recalled. “We all went into the warehouse, and that’s when they told us. There was stunned silence all round when we all walked into the locker room to get our things. A lot of people had been there since their early teens. My own daughters were in their teens at the time. I had a mortgage, and everything runs through your mind at about 100 miles per hour, but you get through it. It wasn’t a nice time.”

After taking a year out, Leslie spotted a job advert in the local paper for Swansea‑based M&D Care. He applied, was offered a role, and quickly realised he had found his true calling.

“I was quite nervous about going into care work initially but once I started, I quickly realised the foundations were already there. I’d been doing it my whole life from a very early age. I’m the eldest of seven children and when my parents separated, I was dressing them, giving them breakfast and getting them to school before I even got ready myself. Without realising it, I was already doing care work.”

A new purpose

Now a senior support worker at a Supported Living Service in Crown Street, Morriston, Leslie helps adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs to regain independence and return to community living.

“It’s not a physical job but mentally it can be challenging,” he said. “As long as I still have my own health, I can see myself still doing it. You become part of their family and try to give them the best advice and support as I would my own children. It’s very rewarding, you get to support someone for many years and then see them move on to independent living and that’s the greatest reward you could get.”

His colleagues praise his calmness and resilience in difficult situations, saying he has an ability to de‑escalate challenges and provide comfort.

Recognition for social care

Leslie was nominated for the Care Practitioner in Small Group or Supported Living award, sponsored by Cartref Ni, and received his Gold award at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

Sian Henley‑Davies, Marketing Coordinator at M&D Care, said:

“We are incredibly proud that three of our outstanding colleagues – Deborah Deru, Rob Hayward, and Les Whelan – have been named as finalists in this year’s Wales Care Awards. Their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people we support make a real difference every single day.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, added:

“The Wales Care Awards underlines the importance of the sector – it’s the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically. Our mission has always been to be the voice of social care in Wales to stand up for the workforce and ensure their dedication is properly recognised.”

For Leslie, the award is a reminder of how far he has come since that difficult day nearly two decades ago.

“I think the social care sector is very underrated and the people within it don’t get enough credit. It can be just as skilled, demanding and intense as any other profession – if not more – and it’s a real shame the many good people out there are not always recognised. Each and every person in that room – even those who weren’t nominated – we’re all winners.”

#care #carePractitionerInSmallGroupOrSupportedLivingAward #mdCare #morriston #redundancy #socialCare #supportedLiving #swansea #walesCareAwards

Families celebrate first new play area at Parc Gwernfadog in 25 years

The site, located on land behind Morriston Comprehensive School, offers a vibrant mix of equipment for toddlers and juniors. Features include a slide built into the bank, cradle and flat‑seat swings, and a dish roundabout designed so children of all abilities can join in.

The playground is part of Swansea Council’s £8 million programme to transform dozens of play areas across the city. While Parc Gwernfadog has gained its first new facility in a generation, other parks in Morriston and nearby communities have also been refurbished under the scheme.

Community‑shaped design

Council Leader Rob Stewart said the investment was about creating safe and inclusive spaces across Swansea:

“We’re investing in a new generation of play areas to give children all across Swansea the chance to enjoy safe, fun and inclusive spaces in their communities.”

The design of the Parc Gwernfadog site was shaped by feedback from local families and councillors. Councillor Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, added:

“We want children to have the best possible start in life and that includes having access to safe and fun places to play.”

Built to last

The council says that all equipment has been selected for durability, safety and accessibility, with robust materials and a layout that encourages imaginative play and social interaction.

The playground was installed by Dragon Play, which has delivered a number of new parks across Swansea.

Other Morriston‑area improvements

In addition to Parc Gwernfadog, several other playgrounds in and around Morriston have recently been upgraded as part of the council’s programme. These include:

• Llansamlet Playground
• Llangyfelach Playground
• Morriston Park Playground (phase 1)
• Craig Cefn Parc Playground
• Heol Tir Du Playground
• DFS (Nixon Terrace) Playground
• Parc Llewelyn Playground
• Tregof Village Playground

Part of a city‑wide programme

Beyond Morriston, the £8m investment has already delivered improvements at sites such as Victoria Park in St Helen’s, Knoyle Playground in Penlan, Parc yr Helig in Birchgrove, Bracelet Bay in Mumbles, and many more across Swansea.

Further projects are under construction or planned, including Long Ridge in Mayhill, Mynydd Newydd in Penderry, and Trallwn in Llansamlet.

Council leaders say the aim is to ensure every community benefits from modern, inclusive play facilities, with designs shaped by feedback from local families and councillors.

Funding for the project was provided by Swansea Council. More information on playground improvements across the city is available at www.swansea.gov.uk/newplaygrounds.

Related Articles

• Sixteen Neath Port Talbot playgrounds branded unsafe and set for £2.5m overhaul
• Councils to get £5m funding boost to make playgrounds ‘fun‑tastic’
• Cwm Level and Longridge named as latest Swansea playgrounds to get upgraded
• Youngsters celebrate makeover for much‑loved Morriston play area
• Margam Country Park’s adventure playground named one of the best in Britain

#CllrAndrewStevens #CllrRobStewart #DragonPlay #Morriston #MorristonComprehensiveSchool #ParcGwernfadogPlayground #park #playground #playgroundUpgrade #roundabout #slide #SwanseaCouncil #swings

Swansea magistrates extend closure of vape shops in crackdown on illegal sales

Eight vape shops across Swansea will remain shut for up to three months after magistrates backed council action against the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco.

The closures follow Operation Ceecee & Marvel, a three‑day joint operation led by Swansea Council’s Trading Standards with support from South Wales Police, HMRC, Home Office Immigration officers and tobacco detection dogs.

Raids lead to extended closures

Officers targeted 14 shops where earlier test purchases had confirmed illicit sales. Nine were issued with temporary 48‑hour closure notices while the council sought longer orders through the courts. Magistrates have now approved applications to extend the closure of eight shops, while the owner of the ninth has opted to shut down permanently.

The shops ordered to remain closed are:

• Morriston Mini Market, 86 Woodfield Street, Morriston
• Crystal Vapes, 95 High Street, Gorseinon
• World of Vapes, 89 St Teilo Street, Pontarddulais
• Bob Marley Vapes, 75 St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
• Asia Vapes, 40 St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
• Kubus Vapes, 31b St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
• Bob CBD Vapes, 29 Union Street, Swansea city centre
• Snoop Vapes, 71 High Street, Swansea city centre

More Trading Standards news

Stay up to date with the latest investigations, prosecutions and community crackdowns led by Trading Standards teams across Swansea Bay and beyond.

Browse all Trading Standards stories

Illegal goods seized and arrests made

The raids led to the seizure of 971 packs of cigarettes, 970 packets of hand‑rolling tobacco and 2,292 vapes, with a combined retail value of more than £77,000. Five vehicles linked to the shops were also confiscated, and 11 people were arrested in connection with the sales.

Council and police warn of risks

Andrew Williams, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services (Performance), said:

“This council is taking the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco in Swansea very seriously. Our Trading Standards Team has made this issue a priority… I’m delighted that magistrates have supported our applications to extend the closure of eight shops in the city.”

Inspector Andrew Hedley, South Wales Police, added:

“Counterfeit tobacco and vapes are not only illegal, but they are incredibly dangerous for those who use them. These businesses were all given warnings to stop selling these items but disregarded them. They will now face prosecution for various offences as a result.”

Related articles

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Second jail term for man selling counterfeit tobacco in Swansea
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Port Talbot trader branded ‘epitome of a rogue trader’ after probe
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Raids across Neath Port Talbot uncovered counterfeit goods including vapes, toys and tobacco products.

#AsiaVapes #BobCBDVapes #BobMarleyVapes #Business #CllrAndrewWilliams #counterfeitTobacco #CrystalVapes #Gorseinon #HighStreet #illegalVapes #KubusVapes #Morriston #MorristonMiniMarket #Pontarddulais #retail #SnoopVapes #SouthWalesPolice #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TradingStandards #UnionStreet #vapeShop #vapeShopClosure #vapes #WoodfieldStreet #WorldOfVapes

Major expansion plans at regional Welsh hospital unveiled

The vision at Morriston Hopsital is for a new-look ‘health campus’ with a new road from near the…
#NewsBeep #News #Healthcare #Health #healthcare #Morriston #MorristonHospital #NHS #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #UK #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/81270/

https://www.europesays.com/uk/360571/ Major expansion plans at regional Welsh hospital unveiled #Health #Healthcare #Morriston #MorristonHospital #NHS #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #UK #UnitedKingdom

The Hobbit takes a Welsh twist at Morriston Library

Adam Pearce will be talking about how he translated JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit into Welsh for the first time at two events – one in Welsh, the other in English at 1pm and 2pm, respectively.

Translated as Yr Hobyd, The Hobbit tells of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Middle Earth, dragons, treasure and a ring of gold and Adam Pearce brings it all to life through the medium of Welsh.

To go along to the event on Saturday, you must book free tickets by calling 01792 516770 or by emailing [email protected]

Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Equalities, said: “Any fan of a book that was already legendary before the amazing films brought it to an even wider audience, will want to find out more about how Adam translated The Hobbit into Welsh.

“The Hobbit has already been translated into many languages, from Dutch and Latin to Esperanto and Faroese, but never into Welsh. So to have Adam at one of our libraries discussing how and why he did it, is quite a coup.”

Adam has previously translated H.G. Wells into Welsh and works by T. Gwynn Jones and Daniel Owen from Welsh into English.

His translation of The Hobbit has been prepared in accordance with J.R.R. Tolkien’s own instructions for translators of his work and officially licenced by the Tolkien Estate.

Included are J.R.R. Tolkien’s original illustrations and new Welsh versions of the two maps featured in the original novel.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#books #Morriston #MorristonLibrary #SwanseaCouncil #WelshLanguage

The Hobbit takes a Welsh twist at Morriston Library

Adam Pearce will be talking about how he translated JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit into Welsh for the first time at two events – one in Welsh, the other in English at 1pm and 2pm, respectively.

Translated as Yr Hobyd, The Hobbit tells of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Middle Earth, dragons, treasure and a ring of gold and Adam Pearce brings it all to life through the medium of Welsh.

To go along to the event on Saturday, you must book free tickets by calling 01792 516770 or by emailing [email protected]

Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Equalities, said: “Any fan of a book that was already legendary before the amazing films brought it to an even wider audience, will want to find out more about how Adam translated The Hobbit into Welsh.

“The Hobbit has already been translated into many languages, from Dutch and Latin to Esperanto and Faroese, but never into Welsh. So to have Adam at one of our libraries discussing how and why he did it, is quite a coup.”

Adam has previously translated H.G. Wells into Welsh and works by T. Gwynn Jones and Daniel Owen from Welsh into English.

His translation of The Hobbit has been prepared in accordance with J.R.R. Tolkien’s own instructions for translators of his work and officially licenced by the Tolkien Estate.

Included are J.R.R. Tolkien’s original illustrations and new Welsh versions of the two maps featured in the original novel.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#books #Morriston #MorristonLibrary #SwanseaCouncil #WelshLanguage

The Hobbit takes a Welsh twist at Morriston Library

Adam Pearce will be talking about how he translated JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit into Welsh for the first time at two events – one in Welsh, the other in English at 1pm and 2pm, respectively.

Translated as Yr Hobyd, The Hobbit tells of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Middle Earth, dragons, treasure and a ring of gold and Adam Pearce brings it all to life through the medium of Welsh.

To go along to the event on Saturday, you must book free tickets by calling 01792 516770 or by emailing [email protected]

Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Equalities, said: “Any fan of a book that was already legendary before the amazing films brought it to an even wider audience, will want to find out more about how Adam translated The Hobbit into Welsh.

“The Hobbit has already been translated into many languages, from Dutch and Latin to Esperanto and Faroese, but never into Welsh. So to have Adam at one of our libraries discussing how and why he did it, is quite a coup.”

Adam has previously translated H.G. Wells into Welsh and works by T. Gwynn Jones and Daniel Owen from Welsh into English.

His translation of The Hobbit has been prepared in accordance with J.R.R. Tolkien’s own instructions for translators of his work and officially licenced by the Tolkien Estate.

Included are J.R.R. Tolkien’s original illustrations and new Welsh versions of the two maps featured in the original novel.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#books #Morriston #MorristonLibrary #SwanseaCouncil #WelshLanguage

Prominent Morriston pub could be turned into flats

The Champion Brewers pub on Martin Street in Morriston has been empty for some time. Now, new plans have been proposed to turn the building into 6 one-bedroom flats.

The plans are in an early ‘pre-planning’ stage, which are designed for developers to get feedback from Swansea Council’s planning officers on proposals prior to a full application being made.

Proposals include replacement UPVC windows, a two-storey side extension featuring a composite cladding wall, a single-storey rear extension and new slate roof.

No parking has been allocated for the site, however there are good local public transport links into both Morriston and Swansea with several bus services serving the development.

Planning officers will now consider the proposals and provide feedback to the developers, who can incorporate any feedback into any future full planning application.

(Lead image: Google Maps)

#Nemetext is the most up-to-date part of my website!

#Nemetext IS THE up-to-date part of my website...

Anyway, playing tonight with The Hat And The Fiddle!

jamienemeth.co.uk

#Gig #Music #LiveMusic #Morriston #Swansea #Wales #Violin #Fiddle #TheHatAndTheFiddle #Teletext

#Nemetext is the most up-to-date part of my website!

#Nemetext IS THE up-to-date part of my website...

Anyway, playing tonight with The Hat And The Fiddle!

jamienemeth.co.uk

#Gig #Music #LiveMusic #Morriston #Swansea #Wales #Violin #Fiddle #TheHatAndTheFiddle #Teletext

#Nemetext is the most up-to-date part of my website!

#Nemetext IS THE up-to-date part of my website...

Anyway, playing tonight with The Hat And The Fiddle!

jamienemeth.co.uk

#Gig #Music #LiveMusic #Morriston #Swansea #Wales #Violin #Fiddle #TheHatAndTheFiddle #Teletext

#Nemetext is the most up-to-date part of my website!

#Nemetext IS THE up-to-date part of my website...

Anyway, playing tonight with The Hat And The Fiddle!

jamienemeth.co.uk

#Gig #Music #LiveMusic #Morriston #Swansea #Wales #Violin #Fiddle #TheHatAndTheFiddle #Teletext

A friend of mine is walking from #Morriston to Pen y Fan this weekend to raise money for the families affected by the gas explosion in our hometown. He’ll be passing the money on to our old school Cwmrhydyceirw Primary, who have created a fund for those involved. If you’d like to donate, here’s the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/families-affected-by-morriston-gas-explosion

We are proud to work with
#Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS) in launching an emergency #appeal with partners to support those affected by the terrible explosion in #Morriston on Monday. This complements the amazing efforts already in place locally and amazing community spirit that we've already seen. Read more about the appeal here https://localgiving.org/morriston-emergency-appeal

Holy shit... https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/live-updates-loud-explosion-shakes-26458364
#Abertawe #Swansea #Morriston #Cwmrhydyceirw #Clydach

Holy shit... https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/live-updates-loud-explosion-shakes-26458364
#Abertawe #Swansea #Morriston #Cwmrhydyceirw #Clydach

Holy shit... https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/live-updates-loud-explosion-shakes-26458364
#Abertawe #Swansea #Morriston #Cwmrhydyceirw #Clydach

In 1970 Swansea Council gardeners planted 200 Scots pine saplings in 11 areas of the #Kilvey Hill copper tips.The areas were heavily toxic, but Scots p.were thought to have a good chance of survival as they were traditionally planted on Welsh coal waste.The saplings were probably raised in the 'Gasworks Nursery' in #Morriston being the main tree nursery for the #LowerSwanseaValleyProject of the 1960s. This is one of about fifty surviving Gasworks Pines on the Hill today. #EnvironmentalHistory

In 1970 Swansea Council gardeners planted 200 Scots pine saplings in 11 areas of the #Kilvey Hill copper tips.The areas were heavily toxic, but Scots p.were thought to have a good chance of survival as they were traditionally planted on Welsh coal waste.The saplings were probably raised in the 'Gasworks Nursery' in #Morriston being the main tree nursery for the #LowerSwanseaValleyProject of the 1960s. This is one of about fifty surviving Gasworks Pines on the Hill today. #EnvironmentalHistory

Costa at #morriston #hospital, #swansea is now open until 6pm Mon-Fri.

Former Morriston Chapel could become craft market and apartments

Plans have been submitted to transform the former Bethania Welsh Presbyterian Chapel on Woodfield Street in Morriston into a craft market, café, community hall and apartments.

The proposals for the currently empty chapel include demolition of single storey elements of the building, and the construction of a new two-story building to the rear of the chapel to accommodate the ground floor café and first floor community hall.

The planning application says the scheme is proposing a “mixed use development comprising of the conversion and alteration works to the existing chapel to accommodate a craft market (11 stalls) and 9 residential units.”

The residential element of the scheme includes one two-storey 2-bed house, one two-storey 3-bed house, four 1-bed apartments and three 2-bed apartments.

Bethania Chapel was built in 1878 by architects John Williams and William Williams of Swansea. It was rebuilt 10 years later in 1888 in the Romanesque style with a gable-entry and large arch in the façade.

(Lead image: Google Maps)