Ted Peskett

A 64-year-old motorcyclist suffered serious injuries, including a fractured wrist and pelvis, in a collision involving a Triumph motorcycle and a Nissan Juke on the A487 Penglais Road near Aberystwyth on August 7. Dyfed-Powys Police are appealing for witnesses, information and dashcam footage.

A 25-year-old man from Caerau, Jake Fernades, has been charged after a collision between an e-bike and a pedestrian, in which a police officer was taken to hospital with no serious injuries. The charges include dangerous driving of a Sur-Ron electric off-road bike, driving without insurance or a licence, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and cannabis cultivation. South Wales Police said it is conducting regular operations against illegal and antisocial e-bike and e-scooter use in Cardiff, with more than 800 illegal mechanically propelled vehicles seized since August 2025 in cooperation with Cardiff Council. Fernades is due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.

Forecasts show continued warm and mostly dry weather across Wales, with interruptions from possible mid‑week showers. Recent heat and dryness have contributed to wildfires and led Welsh Water to impose a hosepipe ban in some areas. Longer‑range predictions indicate cloudier, wetter conditions for northern parts of the UK, with the possibility of lighter rain reaching southern regions before drier weather returns as high pressure rebuilds.

A house fire in Grangetown, Cardiff damaged three neighbouring properties early on Saturday morning. Emergency services responded around 4am, and residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke. A 46‑year‑old Cardiff man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and remains in police custody.

A 72-year-old cyclist, Brad Craven, was killed after being struck by a car driven by 20-year-old Teddy Picton, who had recently failed his driving test and was driving on the wrong side of the road. Craven, who had been preparing his late wife's funeral, suffered fatal injuries and died more than a month after the collision. Victim impact statements described profound grief among family members, including Craven’s brother Philip, who has since died. Picton was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Angharad Williamson, jailed for murdering her five-year-old son Logan Mwangi, attended a pre-inquest review via video link from prison. The hearing examined factors leading up to Logan’s death, including extensive abuse, previous injuries, and prior involvement of social services. Evidence from the earlier trial detailed the extreme mistreatment Logan suffered at home and the roles of Williamson, John Cole, and Craig Mulligan, all serving life sentences. The inquest will continue later in the year with multiple agencies participating.

Ofwat found that Severn Trent Water committed serious wastewater and sewage management breaches but chose not to impose a fine after the company proactively identified issues, cooperated and invested £98 million to improve its infrastructure. Spill reductions reached 41% in 2025 compared with the previous year. Severn Trent accepted the findings and said further work continues. Ofwat’s wider investigation has already produced more than £300 million in penalties for other companies, including a major fine for Thames Water.

An inquest found that Gareth Stephenson, a drag performer known as Dynasty Blake, died in a collision on the A470 while driving from Manchester to Mid Wales, with post-mortem tests showing drugs in his system likely impairing his driving. The coroner concluded he died from multiple traumatic injuries sustained in a road traffic collision while under the influence of drugs. Family and community members paid tribute, highlighting his positive impact and presence.

Three men pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey to charges of murder, manslaughter and violent disorder in connection with the death of 21-year-old filmmaking student Finbar Sullivan, who was allegedly attacked and fatally stabbed during a brawl at Primrose Hill in April. Prosecutors outlined claims that the defendants kicked and punched Sullivan before an unidentified attacker delivered a fatal stab wound. The men, all from Enfield, were remanded in custody, with a further hearing set for September and a trial scheduled for next April. Family members described Sullivan as a promising student and expressed profound grief over his death.

An 82-year-old former scout leader, Stuart May, had his prison sentence doubled after being convicted of further sexual offences against boys in the 1970s. Already serving more than eight years for earlier admitted offences, he was found guilty of additional indecent assaults and indecency charges following a trial brought by three new complainants. The court heard victim statements describing long-term trauma and the judge condemned May for grooming, manipulation and dishonesty. He received an additional eight-year term to run consecutively, ending hopes of transfer to open conditions ahead of a potential release next year.

A jury found Jamie Varley guilty of murdering 13‑month‑old Preston Davey alongside multiple counts of abuse, leading to a whole‑life sentence delivered at Preston Crown Court. Varley, previously seen displaying dramatic emotional outbursts, showed no reaction as the court detailed the child’s suffering. Emotional statements from Preston’s birth parents and foster parents described their loss and the profound impact of the crime, while co‑defendant John McGowan‑Fazakerley also remained expressionless. The sentencing confirmed the jury’s view that Varley’s previous displays of emotion were performative.

Gwent Police are investigating a robbery in which three balaclava‑clad men allegedly threatened a truck driver on Nash Road in Newport and stole an electric bike. Officers appealed for witnesses, especially anyone in the area between 4pm and 4.30pm, and encouraged residents with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. Superintendent Mike Preston said additional police presence may be visible as inquiries continue and urged anyone with concerns or information to contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously.

Residents in Bristol oppose plans by Harringay Real Estate to convert the former St Joseph’s care home into 132 student flats, arguing the area is already dominated by students and needs mixed‑use, multigenerational housing instead. The developer cites a major shortfall in student accommodation and proximity to university campuses as justification, while concerns persist about housing shortages, rising costs and increased pressure on local services. Bristol City Council has received dozens of objections and is reviewing the application.

Cameron Williams, who died by suicide in 2024 after surviving a 2023 crash that killed his friend Tyler Carley, is remembered by his family for the bravery he showed in helping others escape the overturned lorry. The driver, Michael Ronner, received a suspended prison sentence and additional penalties after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving. Cameron’s family expressed disappointment with the court’s outcome while emphasising his courage and their continued support for Tyler’s family.

Six defendants appeared at Cardiff Crown Court for the second day of sentencing over the 2023 Ely riots, which erupted after the deaths of teenagers Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans. The court heard that several defendants threw missiles at police, with Lee Robinson threatening an officer and cheering when a petrol bomb was thrown. Mitigation highlighted difficult personal circumstances and emotional distress following the crash. One defendant lost his job as a result of his involvement. Thirty individuals are being sentenced over a two‑week period.

Court proceedings revealed that Michael Davies had repeatedly searched online for information on paranoia and related mental health issues in the days before he strangled his wife, Tracey Davies, whose body was found in Cefn Cribwr in April 2025. Davies admitted killing her but denies murder, arguing diminished responsibility and entering a manslaughter plea. He had returned early from work in Abu Dhabi after concerns about his mental health, and family members reported he appeared to have suffered a breakdown. Tracey Davies was remembered by relatives as a devoted mother and compassionate woman as the trial continued at Newport Crown Court.

Two brothers, Umar and Abubakr Yusaf, went on trial accused of causing the death of rugby referee Rhys Jenkins and serious injury to his young son through dangerous driving on the A483 in 2024. Umar Yusaf testified that he had not been racing his brother and described encountering suspected road contamination. He recounted the crash aftermath, stating he acted in shock when leaving the scene and driving to a nearby Tesco. Prosecutors challenged his account, alleging he was overtaking to catch up with his brother and attempted to evade responsibility. Both defendants deny all charges, and the case remains ongoing.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court detailed how Michaela Gonzales threw a bottle at police and hid behind a car during the 2023 Ely riots that followed the deaths of teenagers Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans in a collision. Thirty people are being sentenced for their roles in the unrest, which involved large crowds and significant disorder. Gonzales’ defence argued that her involvement was influenced by her support for the victims’ families. She is scheduled to return for sentencing on June 17.

A defendant involved in the Ely riots was removed to a cell after shouting during sentencing proceedings for 30 people at Cardiff Crown Court. The hearing reviewed events surrounding the 2023 electric bike crash that killed teenagers Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans, which preceded the unrest. The prosecution outlined police accounts of the riot when Ryan Knight interrupted, prompting Judge Lloyd Clarke to have him taken down.

A Reform UK candidate, Robert Kenyon, faced criticism after supporting an offensive social media post about broadcaster Carol Vorderman. Reform MP Danny Kruger called the comments inappropriate but argued they were made before Kenyon entered politics. Labour criticised Reform UK for continuing to back him as its Makerfield by-election candidate, where polling shows Kenyon closely trailing Labour’s Andy Burnham. The campaign has drawn wider political tensions, including Nigel Farage’s criticism of Elon Musk for supporting the rival Restore Britain candidate, which Farage claims could split the right-wing vote.

Student numbers in Bristol have risen sharply, leaving more than 31,700 unable to access purpose‑built accommodation despite extensive construction. CBRE reports that new developments have not kept pace with growth at the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. A major student housing site at Freestone Island, approved for up to 518 beds, is now on the market, forming part of the wider Temple Quarter regeneration project. CBRE highlights strong ongoing structural demand, noting that Bristol has only 21,250 purpose‑built beds for a full‑time student population of over 58,000.

Body‑worn camera footage shown at Leeds Crown Court captures murder suspect Rico Gedel appearing relaxed and asking to do Sudoku after allegedly stabbing Ian Watkins in his cell. Prosecutors say Gedel attacked Watkins with a makeshift knife before giving it to fellow inmate Samuel Dodsworth, who discarded it in a bin. Gedel claims he targeted Watkins to be moved off a wing housing sex offenders and admits conflicted intentions about killing him. Both defendants deny murder and possession of the improvised weapon as the trial continues.

Testimony at Leeds Crown Court detailed the events leading to the fatal stabbing of convicted sex offender Ian Watkins in HMP Wakefield, including claims that Rico Gedel acted out of anger and frustration and used a weapon provided by Samuel Dodsworth. Dodsworth told police he disposed of the weapon in panic, while medical evidence described fatal injuries to Watkins’ jugular vein. Gedel recounted past conflicts with sex offenders and described his intent to be moved to segregation. Both defendants deny murder and possession of a makeshift weapon as the trial continues.

Testimony from Rico Gedel detailed his claim that he did not intend to kill Ian Watkins, describing conflict with the convicted sex offender, prior assaults on prisoners, and his belief that prison staff knowingly kept him near sex offenders despite his warnings. He admitted stabbing Watkins but said he sought segregation to be transferred from HMP Wakefield, alleging he had been targeted and set up. Both defendants deny murder as proceedings continue at Leeds Crown Court.

A 27-year-old man, Callum Waterhouse, was convicted at Bristol Crown Court of multiple child rapes and sexual assaults committed in Bristol and Torfaen between 2016 and 2018. The investigation began after one victim contacted the other, prompting reports to police, and further disclosures in 2023 led to additional charges. Following an eight-day trial, Waterhouse received a 16-year prison sentence, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and lifetime inclusion on the Sex Offenders Register. Both victims provided impact statements describing long-term trauma, while police praised their resilience and noted the seriousness of the harm inflicted.

Testimony at Leeds Crown Court described Rico Gedel as smug, smirking, laughing and seemingly unconcerned after the fatal attack on Ian Watkins at HMP Wakefield. Prison officers recounted previous threats from Gedel to do something to be moved to segregation and described his behaviour as calm and cold during a post‑incident search, where he made comments implying he had harmed Watkins. Gedel and co‑defendant Samuel Dodsworth deny murdering the former Lostprophets singer and possessing a makeshift knife. The trial continues.

Cardiff City supporters celebrated the club’s promotion at their home stadium, marking the occasion with banners, sunshine, and a 1-0 win over Port Vale secured by Rubin Colwill. The day also carried emotional weight as fans paid tribute to lifelong supporter Dai Hunt, who died shortly after promotion was confirmed. Floral tributes and a minute’s applause honored his memory as the club looked ahead to its Championship return.