Matthew Chandler

A North Wales police officer, Thomas Coppack, was convicted at Mold Crown Court of assaulting Anni Owen in Rhuddlan during a December 2023 incident, though acquitted of an intentional strangulation charge. He remains on bail with conditions ahead of his August sentencing, while North Wales Police emphasized the importance of supporting victims and confirmed a misconduct inquiry will proceed.

A Rhyl pub, the Millbank Inn on Grange Road, is set for auction eight months after closing, listed by Red Door Estate Agents with a £275,000 guide price. The property includes extensive residential and commercial space and is marketed as a flexible investment opportunity. It previously faced a licence suspension from Denbighshire County Council following a police application but remained open after appealing and meeting required improvements. No auction date has been announced.

A shed fire in Dyserth caused by an unattended controlled burn led to the temporary closure of the A547 between Dyserth and Rhuddlan. Fire crews from Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, and Llandudno extinguished the blaze, and the service urged the public to avoid controlled burns during hot, dry weather due to the heightened risk of rapid fire spread and property damage.

Rhyl’s 135th annual carnival will take place on Saturday, starting with a parade from Foryd Bridge to Coronation Gardens, followed by rides, stalls, performances, children’s activities, and dog and car shows. The theme is “fun in the sun,” and the event includes a Parade of Queens and related competitions. Organised by volunteers from the Rhyl May Day Association, the carnival encourages community participation with mostly free-entry activities.

Immigration enforcement officers joined North Wales Police and other local agencies in a coordinated operation in Rhyl targeting safety, licensing, environmental health and related issues. Police described the effort as part of ongoing work to maintain safety in the town and highlighted the value of collaboration among partner organisations, encouraging the public to report concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour.

Plans for a new fried chicken takeaway on Trellewelyn Road in Rhyl have been recommended for approval despite objections from local authorities and residents. The proposal by Thananjcheliyan Ernest seeks to convert a former hairdresser’s shop into Nisha Fried Chicken with operating hours of 11am to 11pm. Rhyl Town Council, the regional health board and several residents raised concerns about noise, odours, increased traffic, litter and the density of hot food outlets. Planning officers concluded the impact would not be significant and noted the benefit of bringing a long-vacant unit back into use, with the final decision due at a council planning committee meeting.

Alan Crawford of Rhyl received a 36‑week jail sentence after admitting assault and possession of class A drugs while already under a suspended sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to a dog. His suspended term was activated with additional time added following new offences involving cocaine and cannabis, as well as the assault of Amanda Crawford.

Evidence has concluded in the Rhyl child sexual exploitation trial involving five defendants accused of trafficking and sexual offences against three teenage girls. Closing speeches are underway at Caernarfon Crown Court before the jury begins deliberations. Four defendants testified while one declined, and all deny the allegations or dispute the prosecution’s account of events. Charges include rape, trafficking, supplying drugs and perverting the course of justice.