Author: Rhys Gregory

A couple from Wales have been jailed for 23 years each after footage was shared online of them sexually abusing a child. Jonathan Leonard, 58, from Caldicot, Monmouthshire, and Ann Bray, 62, from Newport were arrested by officers from the National Crime Agency in September 2024 after information was received from the FBI. Both Leonard and Bray’s devices were seized upon arrest, and Bray’s device contained videos and images of the pair abusing a child from 2021 to 2024. NCA investigators discovered Bray had been grooming the child to participate in sexual activity with the pair. Videos and images of…

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A leading Mid Wales hotel will be transporting guests back to 1912 and the tragic maiden voyage of The Titanic later this year. The Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells is inviting guests to attend a theatrical re-enactment of the Titanic’s last meal in a ‘Queen of the Ocean’ themed dining experience on October 11. Captain Smith and his crew, from Histoire Productions, will welcome guests on board the RMS Titanic on her maiden voyage and is encouraging them to “embrace the elegance of 1910s fashion” by wearing era-specific clothing, although it’s not mandatory. The evening will begin at…

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With the May half term just around the corner, families across South Wales are searching for a range of activities to keep their children entertained for the week. The area of Neath Port Talbot, also known as the Dramatic Heart of Wales, is brimming with adventures just waiting to be uncovered. From winding cycle trails to treetop adventures, surfing lessons to unearthing ancient history, there’s a reason why families love this hidden gem. Discover what family-friendly activities await in the Dramatic Heart of Wales this May half term: In It Together Festival Start the May half term strong at the…

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One of Wales’ biggest housebuilders will expand its presence to Caerphilly after it completed a major land deal to bring new homes to the town. Persimmon Homes East Wales completed the purchase of 12 acres at Virginia Park, a site that already has full planning permission, and will means 174 new, high-quality properties for local people in the area. Persimmon will now submit a revised planning application within the coming weeks before commencing groundworks. The accredited five-star builder will begin works on-site early next year, with first sales completing by the end of 2026. The developer will also make a…

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It will be the largest ever Barry Island 10K with more than 4,300 people signed up to take part in the 10K and junior races. With just one month to go all general entries into the Barry Island 10K 2025 have now sold out. This means that the only way to now secure a spot into the event is through its lead charity partner, Cancer Research Wales. After a year-long hiatus in 2024, the Barry Island 10Kwill be returning to the seaside town on Sunday 15 June with a route showcasing the town’s most scenic seaside spots and recognisable landmarks…

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A man from Swansea has been jailed after his dangerous driving left another vehicle on its roof on the M4. 31-year-old Kyron Farrell, from Mayhill, had planned to attend a large car meet of around 100 people at Milland Road, Neath in March this year. Officers witnessed him reversing up the slip road from the A474 before heading off at speed towards Stockham’s Corner, where rather than negotiating the roundabout, he performed a u-turn to head back up the A-road. He then joined the A465, where he reached speeds of up to 110mph in a bid to escape police. After…

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A 52-year-old woman has today been jailed for the murder of her partner, Marcin Koziol. Joanna Wronska, of Pentre Gwyn in Caia Park, killed Marcin with a single stab wound to the heart. She claimed he had inflicted the injuries on himself in a bid to take his own life. But a jury saw through her lies and convicted her of murder after less than 90 minutes of deliberations following a nine-day trial at Mold Crown Court last month. She was sentenced today to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 16 years. Shortly before 6.15pm on 23 October 2023,…

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Shoppers have helped select a striking new design for Swansea Market’s external entrances. Market traders and other key stakeholders were asked for their views as Swansea Council held a public consultation. All thoughts helped finalise plans as the Oxford Street, Union Street and Whitewalls entrances are refreshed and modernised this year. The copper-coloured design reflects Swansea’s industrial heritage; its semi-circular shape hints at the market’s logo and huge domed roof. Words used by voters to describe the design included: Inviting, majestic, striking, sleek, elegant, clean and modern. Those commenting liked that it included the words Swansea and Abertawe – making…

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Works undertaken by Pembrokeshire County Council to restore and redevelop Haverfordwest Castle are now well underway as part of the £17.7m UK Government funded project to breathe new life into Haverfordwest. The iconic site of Haverfordwest Castle, is now ready for the next stage of development towards transforming it into a fantastic new visitor attraction for the town and wider county. Over the last six months the walls of this Scheduled Ancient Monument have been painstakingly repaired by specialist heritage building conservationists, iBEX. Archaeological excavations have been undertaken by Heneb (The Trust for Welsh Archaeology), the inner bailey has been…

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This week, communities across Cwm Taf Morgannwg are coming together in a powerful show of support for people living with dementia and their families. Over 35 events are taking place to raise awareness, promote understanding, and champion dementia-friendly initiatives. Running from May 19th to 25th, the week-long programme spans Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf, offering a vibrant mix of activities aimed at educating the public, challenging stigma, and fostering connection. A highlight of the week is ‘Turning Ponty Blue’, a five-day campaign in Pontypridd, created in partnership with RCT Council and the Dementia Friendly Pontypridd Steering Group. The event features craft workshops, pop-up information stands,…

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