Abbie Wightwick

Jake Evans of Cwmbran developed severe alcohol dependence after losing both parents within six months. His drinking escalated to around 20 cans of lager a day, causing liver damage, muscle wastage and hospitalisation. He achieved 10 months of sobriety with support from drug and alcohol services, but relapsed after being seriously assaulted in December 2025. He died from multiple organ failure and pneumonia at The Grange Hospital the day after his 30th birthday, leaving two young children. His sister Becky Hunt is raising money for his funeral and children while sharing his story to highlight the devastating links between grief, trauma, relapse and addiction.

David Francis, 42, broke into the Morrisons supermarket on Orb Drive in Lliswerry, Newport, at about 3:15 a.m. on June 25, taking £380 worth of alcohol. Unbeknown to him, Gwent Police officers were conducting a covert stakeout in cooperation with Morrisons after a series of break-ins, and Sergeant Sexton tackled him after hearing glass smash. Francis pleaded guilty to burglary at Newport Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to four months in prison.