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Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Wales Online
Man accused of conspiring to get hitman to murder wife chooses not to give evidence
Man accused of conspiring to get hitman to murder wife chooses not to give evidence Paul Lewis and his neighbour Dominique Saunders are said to have agreed to secure the services of a hitman Both defendants deny conspiracy to murder and are on trial at Merthyr Crown Court (Image: MEDIA WALES ) A man accused of plotting with a neighbour to get a hitman to kill his estranged wife has opted not to give evidence at his trial - as has the neighbour he is alleged to have come to the agreement with. Swansea men Paul Lewis and Dominique Saunders are said to have agreed to secure the services of a killer-for-hire to murder Lewis' former partner Joanne Atkinson-Lewis, with Lewis handing over £1,500 to pay for the "hit". No such attack on Miss Atkinson-Lewis was ever carried out. Both defendants deny conspiracy to murder and are on trial at Merthyr Crown Court. At the conclusion of the prosecution case John Hipkin KC for Lewis and and John Harrison KC for Saunders said their respective clients would not be giving evidence nor calling any evidence. It is the prosecution case that between February and April 2023 Lewis entered into an agreement with his neighbour Saunders to arrange for someone to kill Miss Atkinson-Lewis following the breakdown of their 10-year marriage, and that Lewis paid his co-defendant £1,500 to facilitate it. The jury heard that Miss Atkinson-Lewis was not, in fact, murdered but the alleged offence is the conspiracy - that is the agreement - between the two defendants intending that the act be carried out. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter Article continues below The jury has been shown text messages between the defendants during the period of the alleged conspiracy which the prosecution say show the conspiracy. In the messages Lewis said "I want her out" and "death becomes her" and told Saunders on a number of times, "I paid money in good faith". In other messages Lewis said he had "seen Joanne on Aberavon beach and she looked okay" and said "she is breathing" and continually asked to see footage of something he believed had been filmed on a GoPro camera. The jury has also seen details of internet searches made by Saunders which featured queries about guns and shooting ranges, and searches linked to the address of Miss Atkinson-Lewis. The court heard Lewis came to believe he had been scammed by his neighbour and the defendants - who lived in the same block of flats in Swansea Marina - subsequently had a falling out with Saunders telling Lewis to "grow a pair of balls" and saying: "I'll send you that bloke's number and you can get your fifteen hundred back. Don't ask me to help again. I'm out." The jury has heard that the alleged murderous plot came to light when Lewis' son Keiran Lewis went to his dad's flat on April 29, 2023, his partner Sidney West due to concerns about the defendant's mental health. The court heard the son examined his father's phone and then asked him directly if he had put a "hit" on Joanne. Mr Lewis told the jury his father "gave no reply, just a nod of confirmation and broke down crying in front of him". In her evidence Ms West told the court she asked the defendant "Do you understand you've paid someone to take someone's mother away?" and he replied "Yeah". The jury has also heard that on March 22, 2023, Lewis withdrew £1,500 from his bank in Swansea city centre and hours later Saunders paid £1,300 into his account, and that in May 2023 Lewis phoned South Wales Police to say his neighbour had scammed him - Lewis was advised that the dispute between them was a civil matter. The jury has also heard that during 2021, 2022, 2023 Lewis spent prolonged periods as an inpatient in psychiatric hospitals in Swansea and Port Talbot, completing his last hospital stay on March 20, 2023. Though the defendants have chosen not to give evidence, the jury did hear opening statements from their barristers. John Hipkin KC, for Lewis, said in the 18 months to two years before April 2023 his client had been struggling with his mental health and was "vulnerable" and "an ideal target for those who might financially take advantage of him". He said there was no dispute that his client had paid Saunders £1,500 but asked the jury to consider if somebody who had paid money to arrange for his ex-wife to be killed would subsequently call police to complain that he had been scammed and would make enquiries about taking action in the small claims court to recover the money, both of which he said Lewis had done. The barrister said whatever Lewis may have thought or intended, the defence would say that Saunders set about scamming Lewis and took the £1,500 then "simply pushed off to Benidorm with the money". In his opening statement for Saunders, John Harrison KC told the jury that a conspiracy requires an agreement and that it is his client's case that there was no agreement of any kind between the two men. He said all the defendant did was "make some internet searches and go on holiday to Benidorm". The barrister said there was no evidence Saunders knew a hitman or knew how to contact one, and no evidence he had ever supplied the number of a hitman. The barrister said the defence will argue that the prosecution evidence is "wholly insufficient" and he told the jurors that it would be reasonable for them to conclude, as the co-defendant had come to believe, that Saunders had scammed Lewis out of £1,500. In brief legal directions the judge Mr Justice Nicklin told the jurors they would have to find both defendants guilty or both defendants not guilty, he told them he could not find one guilty and one not guilty. Paul Lewis, aged 54, and Dominique Saunders, aged 35, both of Fishmarket Quay, Swansea Marina, Swansea deny conspiracy to murder. The trial continues. Article continues below
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘Morgues are more entertaining' – ‘Rip off' festival promising ‘high-octane' family fun day slammed as ‘SHAMBLES'
Organisers had described the event as 'unforgettable' NO FUN 'Morgues are more entertaining' – 'Rip off' festival promising 'high-octane' family fun day slammed as 'SHAMBLES' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PUNTERS have slammed a family festival as a 'rip off' after it promised 'high octane' fun, with one critic saying 'morgues were more entertaining'. The 'High Octane Family Fest Weekender' was held at Ffos Las Racecourse in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, Wales, over the bank holiday weekend. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Attendees were not happy about the 'High Octane Family Fest Weekender' at Ffos Las Racecourse, saying it was a 'shambles' Credit: MEDIA WALES But attendees have been taking to social media to warn others; one said it was a 'shambles' and told others 'do not attend'. Another claimed they lasted '20 minutes max' before deciding to pack it in and return to their car. One said it was a 'total rip-off'. Robyn Morgan and her family went to the event on May 24. Read More on UK News DRIVE SHOCK Moment drunk Fiat 500 driver smashes into car & flips over during overtake She described the event has 'absolutely shocking,' going on to write: 'Please don't waste your money, we lasted 15 minutes.' Robyn also claimed: "[The event is] not as described, even today when the weather nicer.' She added: "There is one ramp for the BMX bikes. Teacups, trampolines, one ride and a crazy maze. 'One burger van, one sweet stall, one ice cream van, and you can see it all stood in one place. "Balloon baskets were there but not inflating balloons, a character stitch walking round, no music, no atmosphere." She said: "Such a waste of time and wouldn't really keep the kids entertained. Fans slam Glastonbury as 'worst one ever' as full lineup announced 'They shouldn't be able to get away with advertising this and certainly shouldn't be charging for tickets. "I've seen more entertainment at a morgue. It is absolutely shocking." Another attendee on Saturday, who wanted to remain anonymous, told WalesOnline: "I have just returned from the event today at Ffos Las advertising motorbikes, medieval jousting, giant funfair,' adding 'it was not as advertised.' She claimed: "There were three men on BMX bikes - who were pretty good in all honesty - a hot air balloon that didn't go up, five very expensive fairground rides (tea cups, fun house, trampolines, a spinning thing, and two toddler rides). "There was one burger van and a sweet van," which she said were "overpriced" and claimed there was no bar and no live music. "I got super-early bird tickets at £13.45, but some people have paid £30/ticket. I have asked for a refund of my tickets for tomorrow." The event was held across May 24-26, starting at 10am and finishing at 8pm, each day. Organisers held a 'flash sale' on Friday, selling tickets for £3 each but adults who bought their tickets in advance are thought to have paid between £13 and £30 for their entry to the event. High Octane Events had advertised the event as being 'unforgettable'. A post to its social media platforms last week said: "This time next week we'll be putting the finishing touches on a wonderful weekend of hot air ballooning, live music, fairground rides, motorbike shows and more!" The company has now responded to the criticisms with a spokesperson writing on the High Octane Events' Facebook page: "A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Ffos Las event this weekend! "We truly appreciate your support and energy, it means everything to the High Octane Events team. "Unfortunately, the poor weather impacted our schedule and some parts of the show didn't go ahead as planned. "We completely understand that this may have been disappointing for some of you, and we want to sincerely apologise if the experience fell short of expectations. "If you were unhappy with any part of the event, please don't hesitate to message us directly - we're here to listen and make things right wherever we can. "Thank you again for being part of the High Octane Events community. We're already working hard to make the next one even better!" The Sun Online has contact High Octane Events for further comment.
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Morgues are more entertaining' – ‘Rip off' festival promising ‘high-octane' family fun day slammed as ‘SHAMBLES'
PUNTERS have slammed a family festival as a 'rip off' after it promised 'high octane' fun, with one critic saying 'morgues were more entertaining'. The 'High Octane Family Fest Weekender' was held at Ffos Las Racecourse in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, Wales, over the bank holiday weekend. 2 Attendees were not happy about the 'High Octane Family Fest Weekender' at Ffos Las Racecourse, saying it was a 'shambles' Credit: MEDIA WALES But attendees have been taking to social media to warn others; one said it was a 'shambles' and told others 'do not attend'. Another claimed they lasted '20 minutes max' before deciding to pack it in and return to their car. One said it was a 'total rip-off'. Robyn Morgan and her family went to the event on May 24. Read More on UK News She described the event has 'absolutely shocking,' going on to write: 'Please don't waste your money, we lasted 15 minutes.' Robyn also claimed: "[The event is] not as described, even today when the weather nicer.' She added: "There is one ramp for the BMX bikes. Teacups, trampolines, one ride and a crazy maze. 'One burger van, one sweet stall, one ice cream van, and you can see it all stood in one place. Most read in The Sun "Balloon baskets were there but not inflating balloons, a character stitch walking round, no music, no atmosphere." She said: "Such a waste of time and wouldn't really keep the kids entertained. Fans slam Glastonbury as 'worst one ever' as full lineup announced 'They shouldn't be able to get away with advertising this and certainly shouldn't be charging for tickets. "I've seen more entertainment at a morgue. It is absolutely shocking." Another attendee on Saturday, who wanted to remain anonymous , told She claimed: "There were three men on BMX bikes - who were pretty good in all honesty - a hot air balloon that didn't go up, five very expensive fairground rides (tea cups, fun house, trampolines, a spinning thing, and two toddler rides). "There was one burger van and a sweet van," which she said were "overpriced" and claimed there was no bar and no live music. "I got super-early bird tickets at £13.45, but some people have paid £30/ticket. I have asked for a refund of my tickets for tomorrow." The event was held across May 24-26, starting at 10am and finishing at 8pm, each day. Organisers held a 'flash sale' on Friday, selling tickets for £3 each but adults who bought their tickets in advance are thought to have paid between £13 and £30 for their entry to the event. High Octane Events had advertised the event as being 'unforgettable'. A post to its social media platforms last week said: "This time next week we'll be putting the finishing touches on a wonderful weekend of hot air ballooning, live music, fairground rides, motorbike shows and more!" The company has now responded to the criticisms with a spokesperson writing on the High Octane Events' Facebook page: "A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Ffos Las event this weekend! "We truly appreciate your support and energy , it means everything to the High Octane Events team. "Unfortunately, the poor weather impacted our schedule and some parts of the show didn't go ahead as planned. "We completely understand that this may have been disappointing for some of you, and we want to sincerely apologise if the experience fell short of expectations. "If you were unhappy with any part of the event, please don't hesitate to message us directly - we're here to listen and make things right wherever we can. "Thank you again for being part of the High Octane Events community. We're already working hard to make the next one even better!" The Sun Online has contact High Octane Events for further comment. 2 Organisers promised a 'wonderful weekend' Credit: Facebook / High Octane Events
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Rogue builder's 'catastrophic' error puts whole street in danger
Rogue builder's 'catastrophic' error puts whole street in danger Harry Nixon, trading as HDH Building and Maintenance of Merthyr Tydfil received fines for carrying out works which did not comply with professional diligence in his trade Merthyr Law Courts (Image: MEDIA WALES ) A builder has been told to pay more than £9,000 in compensation after leaving a gas hob unconnected for over a month and for not adhering to building regulations. On April 9 at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court, Harry Nixon, trading as HDH Building and Maintenance of Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded guilty to offences against trading standards legislation in a case brought by the trading standards service and he received fines for carrying out works which did not comply with professional diligence in his trade, for unregistered gas works, and not adhering to building regulations. He was also ordered to pay £9,400 compensation to the customer. Nixon was contracted to rectify a damp issue along one wall of a kitchen. This escalated to three walls which had plaster removed, damp-proofing applied to the interior of the walls, plaster boarding, and plastering. In the process the kitchen units were removed including a gas hob, which was left disconnected for more than a month as works progressed. The works were never completed because the customer lost confidence with work being done, the last straw being when wet plaster was being painted over. For all your latest Merthyr Tydfil news, sign up to our newsletter here. Article continues below The customer had, within a month, paid £7,500, rising to £9,400, yet after almost two months the work was still not finished. The gas hob and pipework remained disconnected for a further month. A gas safe engineer visiting the property found the pipework left from removing the gas hob had a gas leak and had to be made safe at a further cost to the customer. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) states that the removal of the gas hob should have been carried out by a qualified Gas Safe-registered engineer, which Nixon was not. The council said that the results could have been catastrophic both for the customer and neighbours. Merthyr Tydfil council building control also inspected the works and found that building regulations had not been adhered to. Merthyr Tydfil's trading standards team leader, Craig Rushton, said: 'Home improvements can be a significant cost for property owners. 'It is important that before you allow works to take place at your property carry out some background checks on your builder. 'You can find information out if the builder claims to be a member of a trade association by checking the register of that trade association. 'If you are having gas works done then then check to see that the business and the engineer are on the Gas Safe Register. 'This can be easily done on the Gas Safe website. 'You can also carry out general searches on the internet. 'Finally ensure you have a contract in writing off your builder.' Councillor Declan Sammon, cabinet member for transformation, governance, and social partnership, said: 'We will continue to protect residents of Merthyr Tydfil from rogue traders during this cost of living crisis and beyond. 'Our trading standards service, where possible, will investigate businesses, especially those who do not comply with the requirements of the Gas Safety Register. Article continues below 'Businesses providing building services to our residents have a duty to provide a fair and honest service.'
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Wales Online
'My daughter's life has changed completely. She's living in fear' says mum of girl attacked by teens
'My daughter's life has changed completely. She's living in fear' says mum of girl attacked by teens The girl was one of four victims attacked by two teenage girls who made victims kiss their feet before kicking them to the head and body and trying to blackmail them The 14-year-old attackers appeared at Cardiff Youth Court (Image: MEDIA WALES ) The mother of a child viciously assaulted by two young girls in Bridgend has criticised their sentences as "too lenient" and says they should have been jailed. She said her previously outgoing daughter was now "a prisoner in her own home, living in fear" and too scared to go out after being set upon by the pair. The family have even considered moving to England to get away from the situation and are having to pay out £70 a week for private counselling to help the child cope with the trauma of being attacked. "We feel completely let down. My daughter is living frightened," her mother said, "My daughter is not the same as she was. She used to be outgoing and going out. Now she stays in in her room. She feels she is the one who has got the sentence." The attackers, both 14 and from the Bridgend area, but one of whom was just 13 at the time of the offences, both pleaded guilty to one allegation each of blackmail, two allegations of actual bodily harm and two allegations of assault at Cardiff Youth Court. The attacks on four victims took place between March 2 and 4 this year at Brynteg Comprehensive, Bridgend College, Pyle railway station and near to a leisure centre. Appearing for sentencing separately at a hearing at Cardiff Youth Court on May 13 they were considered persistent offenders. Article continues below Both were warned that prison had been an option owing to the level of violence used. Instead, one received a Referral Order and the other a Youth Rehabilitation Order. You can read full details of the attacks and sentences from the court hearing here Restraining orders lasting for four years were also imposed, banning both attackers from contacting any of their four victims, including on social media, or going to their homes. But the victim's mum said her daughter did not feel this protected her sufficiently. Mobile phone footage shown in court showed the attackers repeatedly kicking, punching and hitting their victims to the head, face and body as they yelled and swore at them. They also demanded they kiss their feet and threatened to share video of this on social media unless their victims paid them money. The level of violence was described as "wanton criminality" even by the defence solicitor for the younger of the two attackers. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . But the victim's mum claimed: "The sentence was too lenient because of the level of violence towards these four people. If an adult, or boys, had done that they would have gone to prison." Quoting the magistrate's words to one of the attackers, she added: "You are 14, you can turn your life around, but my daughter's life has changed completely and it does not seem to matter. "They did this and caused this and can now go about - it does not seem right. My daughter is living in fear. She is on edge all the time. She's a prisoner in her own home. "Her friends are supporting her but if she can't go out I am concerned she will get left behind." Neither the four victims nor attackers can be identified for legal reasons because of their ages, meaning the mother also cannot be identified. She believes that the sentences imposed by the court did not send a strong enough message to the defendants, or other young people, that crime is punished. "I thought my daughter would feel better after sentencing but she fears seeing them and bumping into them. I don't know why they are allowed to go free. "My daughter is too scared to go out alone now. She has tried a couple of times to go out but does not go to the places she used to or go shopping, even with friends. "She goes to people's houses when adults are present and not when they are not. That has restricted her life. She feels she is the one being punished and has got the bigger sentence. She does not feel with this sentence that she is protected. "I think the justice process is geared towards the person who did it more than the victims." "As a family our lives have changed. We pay £70 a week for a counsellor for her. The impact on the family is that everything has changed. "My daughter is not the same as she was. She used to be outgoing and going out. Now she stays in in her room. "We have thought about moving schools but she would lose her friends there. We were talking about moving to England to be away from the risk, it has been spoken about. But obviously that's not easy with jobs and things." "We feel let down by everyone." In victim statements read out in court on May 13 three of the victims described being unable to eat or sleep properly since the attacks, feeling too scared to leave their homes or go back to school and college. They said they were "petrified" their assailants would attack them again and described feeling "let down" by the justice system. One had self harmed and taken an overdose after being assaulted, another was diagnosed with PTSD and also concussion and one had bald patches where clumps of hair had been torn out by the attackers. The older of the two assailants was already on a youth referral order at the time of the attacks with a previous conviction for actual bodily harm. The younger received a caution for possession of a knife or bladed article in a public place in 2024, the hearing was told. She was handed an 18-month Youth Rehabilitation Order with an Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Order to include a 30-day activity with supervision and a 9pm to 7am curfew. She was also barred from entering the area where the attacks took place and all education institutions apart from those she attends. She will also have GPS trail monitoring. On top of this a four-year restraining order was imposed banning her from contacting the four victims, including on social media, or going to their homes. Her parent was also ordered to pay all four victims £60 each in compensation on her behalf. The younger of the two was given a Youth Referral Order and restraining orders were imposed in respect of the four victims banning her from contacting them, including on social media, or going to their homes. Her parent was also ordered to pay each of the victims £60 compensation on her behalf. No court costs were imposed on either defendant. Article continues below Sentencing the girls separately, Jane Anning, chair of the bench, warned them that prison had been considered but the court had decided for the next toughest sentences available to them owing to the defendants' ages.
