Sarah Easedale

Joseph Gibson, 35, from Denbighshire, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court to three years and two months in prison after admitting four fraud charges. He took almost £68,000 from four victims, including two he met on Tinder, by falsely presenting himself as a multimillionaire former special forces soldier and cancer patient with lucrative business and investment opportunities. Victims suffered substantial financial losses, debt, emotional distress and damaged relationships. The judge described the offending as serious, sophisticated and sustained, and rejected Gibson’s request to defer sentencing so he could repay the money. A proceeds of crime hearing is due to consider recovering his assets for the victims.

Keven Jones, 62, died from extreme blood loss after being bitten on the leg by an American XL Bully named Cookie at a property in Wrexham in May 2022. Prosecutors allege that Chanel Fong, who denies owning the dog and denies being responsible for a dangerously out-of-control animal, failed to help Jones bring two powerful dogs inside despite knowing the risks. Fong called emergency services and attempted first aid, but Jones could not be saved. Cookie was later euthanised, and the trial at Caernarfon Crown Court is continuing.

Keven Jones, 62, died from extreme blood loss after being bitten on the leg by an American XL Bully named Cookie at a property in Wrexham in May 2022. The prosecution alleges that Chanel Fong, who denies being the dog’s owner, failed to assist Jones while he was handling two powerful dogs despite knowing that another XL Bully in the house was in season. Fong called emergency services and attempted first aid, while the court heard that Jones had poor health and was taking blood-thinning medication. Cookie was later euthanised, and the trial at Caernarfon Crown Court is continuing.

Seventeen-year-old Liverpool student Ashamekh Bortata drowned while swimming with friends at a fenced-off lake near Chirk Castle, close to Wrexham. His body was recovered the following day after police and air searches. An inquest heard that he entered the water to reach friends swimming near a boat after initially remaining on a pontoon. The coroner recorded drowning as the cause of death and concluded that it was a misadventure. His father described him as a caring, bright and funny A-level student who hoped to study engineering.