Robert Harries

Two women, Demi Oliver and Kelly Rees, chased and stabbed Warren Harper during a drink-fuelled incident in Milford Haven, leaving him with serious wounds that required surgery. Both pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and were sentenced at Swansea Crown Court, where the judge emphasised the severity of the injuries. Oliver received 17 months in prison, while Rees, already serving time for robbery, received an additional 27 months.

Marks & Spencer will close its Oxford Street store in Swansea later in 2026 after a prolonged period of underperformance and building-related operational issues. Around 92 employees have been informed, with consultations planned to explore alternative roles at nearby M&S locations; redundancies have not yet been confirmed. M&S says it will continue serving Swansea online and through other stores while seeking a possible site for a future full-line branch. Swansea Council described the decision as extremely disappointing and said it would continue working to keep the retailer in the city as part of ongoing regeneration efforts.

Adam Muskett, 27, and Katie Worrell, 25, from Tenby, died when their Ford Fiesta was struck by a Jaguar XKR on the A477 in Carmarthenshire on June 13, 2024. The Jaguar's driver, 28-year-old Alexander MacCallum, pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court to two charges of causing death by careless driving, saying he lost control momentarily in poor weather. He faces an immediate driving ban, with sentencing scheduled for April 2. The couple's families described their grief and paid tribute to their close relationship and achievements.

Andrew Lewis, 55, was sentenced to 25 months in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 and exposure on two occasions near a playground in Oakdale, South Wales. Newport Crown Court also imposed a £228 victim surcharge and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. The order bans him from entering playgrounds, restricts contact with under-16s, requires normal clothing in his garden, and limits children’s access to his home.

Gladiators star Zack George, known as Steel, and his wife Samantha lost their son Leo after he was born prematurely at 23 weeks on 26 March 2025. Leo weighed 1 pound 8 ounces and died several days later. Zack shared an emotional tribute describing his son's strength and the love he brought to the family, prompting messages of support from fellow Gladiators and other celebrities.

Bardsey Island, also known as Ynys Enlli, is recruiting for three roles: an assistant visitor warden for the March-to-October season, a project officer who can work on or off the island, and a conservation farmer who may relocate with their family for up to five years. The island has three permanent residents and is known for its religious history, wildlife, dramatic landscapes and status as Europe’s first dark sky sanctuary. The conservation farming role involves caring for 200 sheep and 20–30 Welsh Black cattle while helping maintain the land.

A section of the B4310 between Nantgaredig and Brechfa in Carmarthenshire is being closed for up to two months while the council carries out safety-critical vegetation clearance and concrete-block work. Pub owners Kathryn Jones of the Forest Arms and Rachael Garside of the Plough Inn fear lengthy diversions, weak communication and reduced customer access will cause serious financial losses, staffing cuts and potentially permanent closures. Following opposition, the council agreed to reopen the road from Friday afternoon through Sunday, but Jones plans to operate only at weekends and says the arrangement may still be unsustainable. The council says the full closure is necessary for worker and machinery safety and that diversion and business-access signs are in place.

Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire, which opened in 1987 and was once a popular family attraction, permanently closed in March 2025 after declining visitor numbers and rising operating costs. Its rides have been dismantled or removed, while the remaining site sits unused under security protection. The future of the park and its rural location remains uncertain.

William Ap Howel, a resident of Tregaian on Anglesey who died in 1581 aged 105, was recorded as having fathered 43 children with three wives and two concubines over 81 years. His descendants significantly influenced the small parish, with around 80 reportedly living there at his death and about 300 attending his funeral. Historical records describe him as healthy, modest in his diet, and active in fishing, farming, and hunting. The article places his family size in global context by comparing him with rulers and other men alleged to have fathered hundreds or more than 1,000 children, while noting that some of those figures are disputed.

Carmarthenshire Council has collected more than £1 million in bus-lane penalties at Trostre Roundabout in Llanelli in less than three years, including £654,999 from over 16,000 notices issued between January 2024 and July 2025. Motorists say the layout and signage make the restricted exit feel like a trap, while the council maintains that the signs comply with regulations. Councillor Edward Thomas says surplus enforcement income must be reinvested in public transport, road safety, highways and sustainable travel rather than used as general revenue.

A four-car crash on the A48 in Carmarthenshire killed 30-year-old solicitor Emily Thornton-Sandy, her dog Scout and 90-year-old driver John Howell Price. An inquest heard that Price had turned onto the dual carriageway and travelled approximately 452 metres in the wrong direction before hitting Thornton-Sandy's Ford. Investigators found no evidence of impairment, excessive speed, phone use or road defects, while the reason for the wrong turn remained unknown. Previous concerns about Price's vision had been reported to the DVLA, but subsequent assessments did not establish that he was unfit to drive. Both deaths were formally recorded as road traffic collisions, and Thornton-Sandy's family urged people to raise concerns about elderly relatives' driving.

Llangrannog in Ceredigion, Wales, is highlighted as a relatively undiscovered seaside village with an exceptional beach, dramatic cliffs, coves and coastal walks. Residents, visitors and local businesses praise its peaceful atmosphere, strong sense of community, family traditions and year-round appeal, while nearby attractions such as the Pentre Arms and Troedrhiwgam Caravan Park add to its appeal.

The Vale of Rheidol Railway in Ceredigion has been named among the top 10% of attractions worldwide in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards, based on visitor reviews collected over 12 months. The 12-mile journey from Aberystwyth through the Cambrian Mountains to Devil’s Bridge has operated since 1902 and is praised for its scenery, heritage and visitor facilities. The railway holds a 4.6 out of five Tripadvisor rating from nearly 1,400 reviews, while general manager Llyr ap Iolo attributed the recognition to the work of staff and volunteers.

France defeated Wales in the Six Nations opener in Paris, but the victory was overshadowed by Romain Ntamack's 70th-minute red card for a dangerous tackle on Ben Thomas. Former Wales captain Sam Warburton accused Ntamack of poor emotional control and suggested the challenge appeared retaliatory after an earlier legal tackle. France coach Fabien Galthié accepted the sanction while arguing that the contact resulted from an unexpected change of direction and was out of character. Ntamack faces a potential suspension, which could affect France's title and Grand Slam ambitions.

Aaron Jones, a 38-year-old property developer and well-respected dog walker from Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, was killed in a suspected hit-and-run shortly before Christmas. Dyfed-Powys Police arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and related offences and are seeking information about the noticeably damaged vehicle involved. Local councillor Bryan Jones said the close-knit community was mourning Jones, who was widely praised for helping others and contributing to local associations.

A vacant two-storey house in Garnswllt, Swansea, was partially destroyed by Storm Bert’s severe winds and rain, with its roof, frontage and interior debris scattered across the area. No one was injured, and the Mid and West Wales Fire Service did not attend because there was no rescue need, although the property posed a further-collapse risk. Swansea Council building control officers assessed the damage and secured the site. Storm-related flooding across Wales killed four people and affected thousands, prompting Pontypridd council leader Andrew Morgan to criticize the yellow weather warning as insufficient.

Retired clergyman Glyn Austin suffered six broken ribs and extensive bruising after a herd of about 15 cattle repeatedly charged and trampled him on the Wales Coast Path in Carmarthenshire. He survived by pretending to be dead until a passerby scared the animals away, and spent six nights in hospital. Austin said there were no warning signs and remains concerned that aggressive cattle pose a serious risk to walkers and children. Following an investigation, the Health and Safety Executive recommended clear signs at both ends of the footpath and reminded farmers of their legal duty to reduce risks to people using public rights of way.