Author: Rhys Gregory

South Wales Police has confirmed that its Live Facial Recognition (LFR) team will be operating in Neath and Swansea city centres this Thursday, March 19. The technology will be used to help officers locate suspects, wanted individuals and high-risk missing people, as part of ongoing efforts to keep communities safe. Police say the deployment will be clearly visible to the public, with marked vehicles and designated zones in place. Officers will also be on hand to speak with anyone who wants to learn more about how the technology works, with demonstrations available where possible. Ahead of each deployment, a watchlist…

A man has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of raping a child. Julian Hobbs, 36, of Cathays was sentenced to 15 years, with an extension of three years at Merthyr Crown Court this week (March 16) after being found guilty multiple child sex offences. Hobbs was found guilty of the following offences, following a three day trial between December 15 – 18 at Newport Crown Court: Three counts of Rape a girl under 13 Two counts of Offender 18 or over cause a child under 13 to watch / look at an image of sexual activity…

The transformation of Welsh gaming culture over the past decade tells a remarkable story. What began as scattered groups of friends playing League of Legends in bedrooms and university halls has evolved into a recognised pipeline feeding talent into professional esports organisations across Europe. The dedication of Welsh gamers extends across multiple titles, with many maintaining competitive profiles in games like clash of clans account alongside their League focus, showcasing the multi-game nature of modern esports culture. Wales may not dominate headlines like South Korea or China in the League of Legends ecosystem, but the nation has quietly built infrastructure…

The biggest trap of modern life is constant connectivity. Because we carry our offices in our pockets, we never truly leave work. This “always-on” culture makes us forget who we are outside of our professional roles. We become exhausted, not just in our bodies, but in our creative minds.  It is nearly impossible to relax when you are sitting in the same chair where you answer stressful emails or handle difficult clients. To combat this, you need a physical and mental break. Finding a healthy balance is a skill that takes practice. You can find helpful resources and community stories…

Wales has long been known for its castles, coastlines and lively cities, but there is another side to its entertainment scene that continues to attract visitors year after year. Across the country, a handful of stylish gaming lounges offer a place where people can relax, socialise and enjoy a bit of late-night excitement. From the bright lights of Cardiff to the coastal charm of Swansea and Llandudno, these venues combine classic casino games with welcoming atmospheres and great hospitality. Cardiff naturally sits at the centre of the action. As the Welsh capital, the city’s nightlife is already well established, and…

South Wales Police has issued an appeal to help locate a teenage boy who has been reported missing from Tonypandy. Xavier was last seen at around 9.30am on Monday, March 16 in the Tonypandy area. He is described as having long hair, which he sometimes wears in a ponytail. When he was last seen, he was wearing khaki green shorts and a black hoodie with a white dove on it. Officers are urging anyone who may have seen Xavier, or who may have information about his whereabouts, to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales…

Drivers across South Wales are facing delays this afternoon following an accident on the M4 and heavy congestion on several major routes around Cardiff. Traffic Wales has reported an incident on the M4 eastbound between junction 25 at Caerleon and junction 24 at Coldra, where a lane has been closed following a crash. Delays are possible while the incident is dealt with. Motorists travelling through the area are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys. Elsewhere, congestion is building on the A470 northbound between Coryton and Nantgarw, a route that regularly experiences heavy traffic during peak periods. Traffic…

Rail passengers across South Wales are encouraged to plan ahead as essential track work takes place between Newport, Cardiff and the Valleys between Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March. The work taking place will see Network Rail engineers replacing sections of the track on the South Wales Mainline between Newport and Cardiff Central throughout the weekend, with Transport for Wales (TfW) engineers carrying out further work near Cardiff Queen Street on the Sunday. These works will affect all services travelling from Cardiff to Newport throughout the weekend, and Valleys services travelling through Cardiff Queen Street on the Sunday. Rail replacement services will be in place and passengers are advised…

There is an update to this story. Read it here. South Wales Police is continuing to investigate threats made against two schools in Cardiff, prompting their closure today. The force received a live chat message at around 8.30pm on Sunday, March 15, which contained threats to harm people at Llanishen High School and Eastern High School. Police said the information suggested that an individual intended to attend the schools while in possession of weapons. The report is now being actively investigated as officers work to assess the credibility of the threat and determine where it originated. Following discussions between South…

BlueCastle Capital has secured planning consent for a landmark, 50-storey residential development in the centre of Cardiff. The development, which will deliver 528 homes for rent, occupies the final undeveloped plot within the Central Square masterplan, located between the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Central Station and bordered by Wood Street, Scott Road and Park Street Lane. It also includes a standalone two-storey pavilion providing 6,500 sq ft of commercial and restaurant space. Designed by 5plus and Layer Studio, the building will target high sustainability credentials including BREEAM ‘Excellent’, Fitwel ‘3*’ and EPC ‘B’ ratings. Residents will benefit from an extensive…