Conor Gogarty

The Sultan Turkish restaurant in Cardiff Bay improved its food hygiene rating from one to five after a reinspection by Cardiff Council. Director Kerem Kavak said the initial inspection took place on an exceptionally busy bank holiday and involved a misunderstanding over temperature records. The restaurant appealed, provided supporting evidence, and arranged additional staff hygiene training while awaiting the reinspection, which found the business good in every category.

An inquest found that 35-year-old Scott Travis, a caretaker from Ebbw Vale, died from sudden adult death syndrome in his caravan at Llynfi holiday park in Llangorse, Powys, on April 28, 2025. A post-mortem ruled out significant coronary heart disease and toxic effects from drug use, while obesity was listed as a contributing factor. The coroner said there had been no wider mental-health concerns shortly before his death. NHS and British Heart Foundation information explains that SADS involves an unexpected cardiac arrest, often linked to an untreated abnormal heart rhythm, and affects around 500 people in the UK each year.

Rachelle Morgan and Hayleigh Hutchinson, two Swansea single mothers, were drawn into a drug-importation operation after being promised easy money for receiving cannabis parcels from the United States. South Wales Police worked with UPS to intercept the parcels, leading to both women’s arrests and evidence that Hutchinson also facilitated onward sales, including supplying cocaine. Morgan received a 12-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work, while Hutchinson was given a 15-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months. Both must complete rehabilitation activities, and a proceeds-of-crime hearing is scheduled for November.

Four Cardiff residents—Patrick O'Driscoll, Gareth Press, Ffion Bowes-Cavanagh Hooley and Levi Coomansingh—appeared at Cardiff Magistrates' Court over alleged involvement in an international cannabis-smuggling and exploitation ring. Prosecutors said two 17-year-old Cardiff boys were arrested at a Thai airport on June 23 with 64kg of cannabis in their suitcases and remain in Thai custody. Evidence allegedly includes phone messages about couriers, travel documents, flights, cryptocurrency and cash payments. Hooley was granted bail, while the other three defendants were remanded in custody; their next hearing is scheduled at Cardiff Crown Court next month. A fifth suspect has been released on police bail.

Former South Wales Police sergeant Rhodri Davies alleged in court documents that two senior officers had sex with two junior female officers at Swansea Central police station and that the incident was handled informally. The allegations form part of wider claims that the force discriminated against him and mishandled investigations into alleged sexual misconduct and a later incident in which he struck handcuffed detainee Tariq Evans. Davies recently won an employment tribunal claim over the force’s handling of the latter investigation, with the judge citing a deeply flawed process and a conflict of interest involving DCI Emma Jones, although the tribunal did not overturn independent findings that Davies’s dismissal for gross misconduct was appropriate. South Wales Police said the employment tribunal ruling did not affect the separate misconduct decisions and that it was reviewing the judgment.

Former South Wales Police sergeant Rhodri Davies won an employment tribunal claim that the force victimised him during the misconduct investigation that led to his dismissal. Judge Samantha Moore found that DCI Emma Jones’s involvement created a conflict of interest, while DC Andrew Everson used a deeply flawed and highly irregular approach when interviewing witnesses. The tribunal also criticised the handling of Davies’s grievance and appeal as lacking independence, though it did not rule that his use of force against detainee Tariq Evans was justified. A separate misconduct appeal had upheld dismissal for gross misconduct after CCTV showed Davies unnecessarily striking Evans. Compensation will be determined later, and South Wales Police is reviewing the ruling.

WalesOnline reports that Cardiff and Vale University Health Board withheld the full findings of a review into its troubled cardiology department for six months, releasing only a two-page summary after an FOI dispute and the threat of regulatory involvement. The review identified management failures, unacceptable behaviour, inadequate training, poor infrastructure, weak incident reporting and a toxic team culture, while earlier recommendations addressing bullying and management problems had not been implemented. The disclosure comes amid wider scandals at University Hospital of Wales, including operating-theatre and sterilisation failures, poor morale, long waits, financial problems and patient deaths. The health board says publishing more detail could unlawfully identify individuals, while critics and Welsh opposition politicians argue that the stance undermines accountability. The Welsh Government is due to publish an independent assessment and says the Information Commissioner's Office should examine the FOI handling.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board commissioned an internal review of cardiology services at the University Hospital of Wales after concerns about staff feedback, quality, workforce indicators and enhanced monitoring by the General Medical Council. Interviews with 70 staff identified infrastructure and capacity pressures, poor behaviour and team culture, inconsistent management and weak governance. Recommended improvements include stronger leadership, consultant-of-the-week coverage, mortality and morbidity meetings, multidisciplinary cardiac teams, better clinical reporting and auditing, training, workforce planning and management processes. Some disciplinary and human-resources actions remain ongoing, while key details of the full review have not been released.

Care worker Louise Harris was jailed for three months after drunkenly abusing 81-year-old dementia patient Elizabeth Anne Shipton during a trial care shift at her Pontardawe home. Harris screamed obscenities, demanded money, pressed her arm against Shipton's chest, damaged property and waved a kitchen knife before police intervened. She pleaded guilty to ill-treating a care worker's patient and criminal damage; the Crown Prosecution Service dropped an attempted robbery charge. Shipton's daughter, Tracy Faram, says her mother remains severely traumatised and is appealing the sentence as unduly lenient.

Tens of thousands of people attended the Wales Airshow at Swansea Bay, where military and vintage aircraft performed aerial displays alongside a drone show, night-flying and fireworks. Although the Red Arrows were absent because of their US tour, a 200-drone display paid tribute to the team. The gallery presents photographs from the second day of the free event, organized by Swansea Council.

Two new witnesses have reportedly identified Raymond Buck, a deceased carpenter and amateur boxer, as the person responsible for the 1996 hammer attack that killed Dr Lin Russell and her six-year-old daughter Megan and seriously injured Megan’s sister Josie. Michael Stone, who has spent 29 years in prison after being convicted of the murders, continues to deny responsibility. His solicitor Karen Todner says the Criminal Cases Review Commission is examining the witness statements and conducting new DNA analysis, with the possibility of referring the case to the Court of Appeal if the results exclude Stone and implicate someone else.

Tens of thousands of visitors attended the first day of the Wales Airshow in Swansea, watching military aircraft, vintage planes and helicopters perform aerobatic displays over Swansea Bay. Photographers Richard Swingler and Duane Evans captured the event, which continues through Sunday.

A Swansea Crown Court judge condemned Dyfed-Powys Police after an officer miscalculated the amount stolen from 89-year-old care-home resident William Jones by managers Claire Harding and Kelly Jones. The fraud involved 10 cheques totalling £31,912, but the charge initially understated the loss by £3,912. Both defendants agreed to repay the shortfall and received 12-month suspended prison sentences, rehabilitation requirements and unpaid work. The police force will review how the arithmetic error and nearly two-year delay occurred.

The National Lottery Lotto draw on Saturday, July 25 offered a £3.6 million jackpot. The two Lotto rounds produced winning numbers 2, 6, 29, 36, 55, 59 with bonus ball 50, and 9, 22, 26, 49, 53, 56 with bonus ball 34. The accompanying Thunderball draw numbers were 13, 15, 17, 21, 23, with Thunderball 14 and a £500,000 jackpot.

Two major wildfires continue to burn in South Wales: one on Mynydd Garnclochdy near Blaenavon, active since the previous Sunday, and another on Maerdy Mountain near Rhondda Fach, which began on Friday. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said progress was being made at Blaenavon, where a perimeter firebreak was holding and crews were using water bowsers to protect it. At Maerdy, firefighters were monitoring the incident, targeting hotspots and damping down across about 80 hectares of gorse and bracken, with no wider risk currently identified for nearby communities. The Welsh Government has activated crisis-management arrangements, while Public Health Wales advised residents affected by smoke to stay indoors, close windows and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

A banned driver previously convicted of drug offences was caught dealing cocaine after fleeing police in Aberystwyth, leaving evidence in his rented car that led officers to his hotel. Police recovered cocaine from the vehicle and additional wraps buried nearby after reviewing footage from his phone. The defendant admitted drug supply, driving while disqualified and using a false identity document. The court noted his long record of drug and motoring offences and sentenced him to three years in prison, with likely deportation to follow.

A 47‑year‑old man from Ely has been charged with fraud by false representation over an MOT connected to the vehicle involved in a 2023 Cardiff crash that killed three young people and seriously injured two others. The families of the victims called for justice while avoiding comment on ongoing proceedings. The vehicle was not found until two days after the crash, and four Gwent Police officers are set to face gross misconduct hearings related to the case. The accused is scheduled to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on July 21.

A referee and former Greater Manchester Police officer, Michael Jones, has been suspended by the Football Association of Wales after a misconduct hearing revealed he engaged in sexual messaging and encounters while on duty, including extensive messages about sadomasochistic interests and role‑play. Jones initially denied involvement but admitted responsibility when confronted, claiming the behaviour was consensual and linked to ADHD and autism. Despite his assertion that he no longer worked in football, he remained listed in a regional refereeing role. The FAW confirmed his interim suspension pending a safeguarding investigation, while the misconduct panel determined he would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he not resigned.

Legal filings allege that Richard Hayward and his wife Karen Athay extracted large sums from their collapsed real estate company Mintblue Properties through improper loans and payments, contributing to a dramatic decline in its assets and leaving significant debts, including to HMRC. The liquidator seeks about £550,000 in compensation, accusing the couple of prioritizing personal gain over the company’s financial health and creditor interests. Hayward denies insolvency allegations and disputes the claims, while separate proceedings by HMRC to wind up the couple’s partnership continue.

A woman, Beverley Wright, admitted grievous bodily harm after repeatedly punching Mark Davies in a Merthyr Tydfil pub following a long‑standing parking dispute. Davies suffered a fractured shinbone, ligament damage and ongoing pain. The court rejected Wright’s claims that she acted defensively and found the attack to be serious but imposed a suspended 16‑week sentence along with £1,000 compensation, payable in instalments.

A fatal collision in Gorseinon, Swansea left an 18-year-old man dead and another injured, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old from Morriston on suspicion of murder and multiple driving offences. Major road closures remain in place as South Wales Police conduct a large-scale investigation and appeal for witnesses and footage. Emergency services responded to two incidents minutes apart, while local officials expressed condolences and urged residents to follow police instructions.

A fuel card scam led to losses of more than £5,000 for Libco Logistics, but only one perpetrator, Darren Watts, was convicted after being identified on CCTV using a fuel card to obtain diesel at a Texaco station in Abercynon. Libco’s owner criticised Gwent Police for slow evidence gathering, which he believes prevented further prosecutions. Police cited difficulties obtaining CCTV, and the Crown Prosecution Service determined only one charge could be pursued. Watts received a fine, compensation order and costs, with the court noting his health issues. Libco has since entered liquidation for unrelated business reasons.

A long‑established Swansea restaurant, La Braseria, received a zero food hygiene rating following a council inspection that found urgent improvement was needed in food safety management and handling. The business attributed the issues to former employees and said corrective measures were implemented immediately, with a rescore expected. The restaurant’s past hygiene ratings, challenges during the pandemic, and its operational history were also highlighted.

An inquest into the death of 30‑year‑old Tyler Jack Richards found no identifiable medical cause after he was discovered at his home in Llanedeyrn, Cardiff. Coroner Patricia Morgan noted his history of back pain, scoliosis, anxiety, and depression but recorded an open conclusion after ruling out third‑party involvement. Richards had last contacted his family three days before being found, and no occupation was listed at the time of his death.

A 30-year‑old man from Aberdare admitted dangerous driving and failing to stop after reaching 80mph in a 20mph zone while fleeing police, ending the chase by crashing into a patrol car. Magistrates imposed a suspended one‑year jail sentence, a two‑year driving ban, drug rehabilitation requirements, unpaid work, and financial penalties. The court heard he previously served a driving ban for drug‑driving, and his solicitor said substance misuse had driven his offending but that he was seeking support to change.

A Swansea man, Kenneth Kesans, died in HMP Usk in December 2024 while serving a 13‑year extended sentence for historic sexual abuse of a young girl. He had confessed the offences in 2021 by calling police from a phone box nearly two decades after the crimes. A prisons ombudsman report found he died of pneumonia linked to flu and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and criticised prison healthcare staff for failing to escalate a declined X‑ray and for not offering a flu vaccine. Recommendations were issued to improve medical follow‑up and vaccination procedures.

The chief executive of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Suzanne Rankin, is leaving her role after a period marked by serious failings, cultural problems and multiple internal and external reports criticising the organisation’s management and patient safety standards. The board has been under level‑four escalation due to severe operational issues, including medical errors, poor working culture and allegations of misconduct. Rankin will move to a new leadership role within the NHS in England, while recruitment for her successor begins. Concerns raised by whistleblowers, inquests and internal reviews continue to highlight systemic problems within the health board, prompting calls for urgent action to prevent further harm.

Ryan Sims received an 18‑month driving ban, fines and costs after admitting to drink-driving following drinks with coworkers, crashing his car into a traffic island in Caerphilly. The court heard he exceeded the legal alcohol limit and later said the incident led to the end of his relationship and a move back to his parents’ home. His solicitor described significant personal and professional consequences, though he has since found new employment. The judge stressed the serious risks of driving after drinking. Sims said he was grateful no one was injured.

An unconscious patient undergoing gallbladder surgery at the University Hospital of Wales fell from an operating table after allegedly not being properly secured. Whistleblowers claim the incident reflects ongoing safety and cultural problems within the hospital’s operating theatres, which have faced prior scandals including retained surgical items, drug use, staff misconduct and equipment failures linked to patient deaths. Cardiff and Vale health board confirmed a review but said the incident did not meet the NHS definition of a never event. Staff sources allege a toxic culture, lack of training, and pressure to remain silent, while recent internal reports and inquests highlight systemic failures and deteriorating conditions at the site.

Alyson Perrett pleaded guilty to nine counts of fraud after taking £9,715 from multiple families for non‑existent caravan bookings at Trecco Bay in Porthcawl between 2022 and 2023. Previously exposed by Wales Online in 2023, she had been accused of repeatedly taking payments, failing to provide holidays, blocking complainants and deleting her Facebook page as anger grew. Perrett offered shifting explanations when confronted but outside court declined to comment on repayments or remorse. Sentencing is expected later this month, while Parkdean Resorts urged customers to book only through official or trusted channels.

A man riding an electric motorbike the wrong way on a Newport street struck pedestrian Sam Bevan, leaving him unconscious before riding off. CCTV and witnesses helped identify Jordan Willetts, who later turned himself in and admitted dangerous driving, failing to stop and riding without a licence. The court rejected his claim that he thought he was being robbed, with the judge criticising his disregard for safety. Willetts received a 12‑month suspended sentence, unpaid work, a curfew, a 30‑month driving ban and financial penalties including compensation to the victim.

Sam Takahashi, a former senior member of a large cocaine‑supply network in Newport and Blackwood, describes his path into addiction and drug dealing, the lavish lifestyle funded by more than £430,000 in criminal profits, and the collapse of his personal life as police surveillance closed in. After his arrest and an eight‑year sentence, he served around two and a half years due to early‑release policies before being released on licence. He reflects on the damage caused, the deaths and family tragedies he missed while in prison, and his efforts to reform, including helping fellow inmates and planning a wellness centre to support others.

A leaked email reveals that commercial cleaning company Mrs Buckét reduced pay for 24 staff to the minimum wage despite previously promoting itself as a real living wage employer. Critics within the company accuse chief executive Rachael Flanagan of abandoning core values and misleading employees and clients, while management argues the change was necessary for commercial sustainability. The Living Wage Foundation is following up with the company, and concerns continue over the impact on low‑paid staff during a cost of living crisis.

A couple visiting Marros Sands believed raw sewage was covering the beach, but Natural Resources Wales confirmed the substance was algal bloom, a common seasonal occurrence. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water denied any storm overflow spills in the area at the time and highlighted the controlled nature and purpose of overflow discharges. The couple argued the company should still be accountable for broader sewage issues on Welsh beaches, concerns echoed by MP Henry Tufnell, who criticised the company's performance and lack of a clear strategy to reduce spills. NRW advised avoiding contact with algal blooms and outlined how to distinguish them from sewage pollution.

A prison ombudsman report found that serial sex offender Graham Stridgeon died after healthcare staff at HMP Wymott failed to recognise signs of sepsis and did not send him to hospital soon enough. Stridgeon, jailed for historic child sexual abuse linked to Operation Pallial, died of pneumonia four days after his eventual transfer. The report criticised inadequate training, record‑keeping and a lack of staff interaction in his final months. His previous convictions, extended sentence following an appeal, and recall to prison months before his death were detailed, along with judicial comments on the severity of his offences.

A 22-year-old man, Dominic Bartlett, died from multidrug toxicity after consuming alcohol and several substances at a friend’s home in North Cornelly. An inquest found MDA, morphine, pregabalin and benzodiazepines in his system, with the coroner ruling a drug-related death. Public Health Wales data highlighted the rising number of multi‑substance drug misuse fatalities in 2024, particularly involving opioids, with experts calling for broader action on deprivation, housing and health inequalities.

A convicted paedophile, Mark Bishop, employed as group director of guest experience at Crest Hotels, was revealed to staff, prompting safety concerns due to frequent child guests. A whistleblower claimed management dismissed the issue, though the company initiated an internal review after media inquiries and removed Bishop from duties. Bishop’s 2018 suspended sentence and sexual harm prevention order were detailed. Crest Hotels declined to confirm whether it knew of his conviction or had safety measures in place, stating only that safeguarding is taken seriously.

Whistleblowers warned in 2023 about mismanagement, poor training and bullying within the Royal Gwent Hospital sterilisation unit, years before 21 patients were treated with unsterilised instruments. A leaked letter alleges senior health board leaders ignored the concerns, which whistleblowers say could have prevented the error. Families of affected patients criticised the Aneurin Bevan health board for delayed disclosure of the incident and accused it of attempting a cover-up. Political figures from multiple parties called for answers and a transparent investigation. The health board denied commenting on leaked correspondence but said it has internal procedures and is strengthening assurance processes. The incident forms part of a wider pattern of recent failures within the health board, prompting calls for an independent review of its leadership and governance.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park approved a change of use at Trerhys farm in St Dogmaels, allowing the creation of a water bottling plant that will draw from an on-site well and operate within an existing shed. The applicant, Mr George, aims to diversify income and reinvest profits to restore farm infrastructure and rebuild the reduced suckler herd. Public concerns about noise and transportation were dismissed following assessments by planning and highways officers. The planning authority concluded that the proposal represents an appropriate development for the location.

A motorbike crash on the M4 in 2021 left Oliver Perry with severe injuries including a brain injury, stroke, epilepsy, blindness and deafness on his left side. After months in multiple hospitals and extensive rehabilitation, he continued to struggle with mobility and frequent falls due to sight loss. Receiving a guide dog, Walter, in 2025 transformed his independence, allowing him to move safely, socialise, and resume everyday activities. He credits Walter with restoring freedom and significantly improving his quality of life.

A series of live updates reports incidents and developments across Wales, including road closures, crashes, an arson investigation, delays to Tata’s electric arc furnace project, a legal action involving businessman Richard Hayward, and disputes over Welsh flags in Wrexham. Additional updates cover weather forecasts, traffic disruptions linked to the Swansea Half Marathon, and concerns over the cost of suspended Gwent Police officers.

A dispute has emerged in Wrexham over Welsh flags tied to lampposts, with campaigners arguing they intimidate minority communities and perpetuate racism, particularly following tensions over a dropped plan to house asylum seekers nearby. Former police commissioner Arfon Jones and hate crime officer Iolanda Banu Viegas have called for the flags’ removal, citing fear and community division. Wrexham Council launched an internal review but stated it will only remove flags that pose safety risks, while maintaining that concerns of intimidation will be considered. Jones criticised the council’s response as insufficient.

HMRC has filed a winding‑up petition against the business partnership of Richard Hayward and his wife Karen Athay, alleging unpaid debts, claims Hayward denies while accusing a process server of giving false evidence. A separate case by Rel UK Holdings accuses the couple of breaching fiduciary duties, which Hayward says he will contest. The article outlines Hayward’s history of corporate controversies, past convictions and previous civil allegations, including a recent court case in which a former business partner’s claim was dismissed but wider misconduct allegations were left unresolved.

Gwent Police has been spending more than £870,000 annually on officers suspended on full pay, with four off duty for more than three years. A freedom of information request revealed 20 suspended officers as of December, prompting criticism from politicians and former police officials over prolonged misconduct processes and insufficient resources. Delays in a high-profile misconduct case involving two former officers were attributed to difficulties assembling qualified panel members. While Gwent Police says it is working to accelerate cases, no specific plan was outlined. Other Welsh forces reported lower suspension-related costs, though one North Wales case involved an inspector suspended since 2023. The Home Office acknowledged systemic delays and stressed the need for quicker resolution. Suspensions in Gwent have since dropped to 15 as the force emphasises maintaining rigorous investigation standards while improving timeliness.