Latest news with #PaulHarris
Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Wales Online
Welsh drug gang boss fled to Spain and South America as the net closed
Welsh drug gang boss fled to Spain and South America as the net closed Paul Harris, 28, ran an organised crime gang based in southeast Wales which was involved in the wholesale supply of cocaine and ketamine Paul Harris, 28, fled to Spain and onto Venezuela and Colombia after the organised crime gang he ran in Wales was exposed (Image: Gwent Police ) The leader of an organised crime gang (OCG) involved in the sale of commercial amounts of cocaine and ketamine fled to Spain before moving onto Venezuela and Colombia. His co-conspirators were found in possession of £50,000 worth of cocaine and £38,000 concealed inside a book. Paul Harris, 28, ran the OCG based in southeast Wales which was the subject of an investigation by Gwent Police. A raid was carried out at a property in Chepstow in February 2021 which resulted in the seizure of 28g of cocaine. A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday heard mobile phones were seized which were found to contain messages linking Harris and others in the supply of controlled drugs. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter. Following the arrest of his co-conspirators Harris left the UK in June 2021 and travelled to Spain where he continued to run the drugs operation. The defendant then travelled to South America where he initially arrived in Venezuela before settling in Colombia. A month later a further arrest took place when Harris' associate Peter Wright and his partner were stopped in a car and found in possession of cocaine and ketamine worth more than £30,000. Article continues below Another phone was seized which again linked Harris as the leader of the drugs operation, both sourcing and supplying wholesale quantities of cocaine and ketamine. He was involved in multi-kilogram deals and was considered to have "substantial influence" upon others in the chain. Sentencing, Judge Lucy Crowther said: "You were close to the original source and involved in the buying and selling on a commercial scale and had expectation of financial advantage on a substantial scale." A sentencing hearing of Harris' co-defendants, including Matthew Nicholas, 36, Ashley Bollen, 34, Peter Wright, 33, Andrew Harris, 50, and Helga Boehm, 48, heard eight raids were carried out between February and October 2021 in Monmouthshire which led to seizures of drugs, cash, and mobile phones. More than £50,000 worth of cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, and ketamine was seized along with more than £40,000 in cash, £38,000 of which was found in a money safe disguised as a book. Harris also involved his mother and stepfather in the enterprise but abandoned them and left them to their fate after fleeing the country. The defendant, of no fixed abode, later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. The court heard he has eight previous convictions including an offence of supplying cannabis. In mitigation Julia Cox said her client was not "wanted" when he left the UK and made efforts to return to face the matters against him. The barrister said the defendant made arrangements to return via Spain but had issues after his German passport had expired leading to liaison with multiple embassies. He was initially arrested in Spain and spent time in custody before he was extradited back to the UK. Ms Cox said the defendant has a four-year-old daughter with whom he has been unable to build a relationship. Judge Crowther told Harris he alone was to blame for the lack of contact with his daughter and said he had "abandoned her". Article continues below The defendant was sentenced to a total of eight years and eight months imprisonment. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The National Trust sites to visit in Wrexham during the National Eisteddfod this summer
This summer, Wrexham locals and visitors are in for a cultural treat with the arrival of the National Eisteddfod of Wales. And for visitors to the city, especially, it's the perfect opportunity to explore the north-east of Wales beyond the vibrant festivities. If you're looking for some incredible things to see and do, did you know that Wrexham is home to two grand heritage sites, run by the National Trust? Chirk Castle and Garden and Erddig Hall and Garden both offer a brilliant blend of heritage, natural beauty, and fun activities for all the family, to make your Eisteddfod experience even more memorable. Read on for a brief look at the sites and what they've got coming up this summer… Chirk Castle and Garden (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris) A medieval fortress with stunning gardens and rich history, Chirk Castle and Garden is truly a sight to behold. The castle's expansive 5.5-acre gardens are a delight all year round, but in the summer months, the rose garden is a particular highlight. Visitors can follow the accessible path to experience the fragrance and colour of the Rose Garden and look out for displays of tall climbers, such as Rosa 'Madame D'Arblay'. And with manicured lawns, clipped yews, and stunning views of the Shropshire and Cheshire plains, there's something to enjoy around every corner. There's also plenty to experience inside the 13th-century Marcher castle, with its lavish interiors and diverse collection of art, furniture, and more. Visit the historic Adam Tower to see signs of the castle's medieval past, explore the recently re-opened library, or discover the new reading room where you can also play board games. For families, the castle will host a Summer of Play event from July 19 to August 31, sponsored by Starling Bank. Here, you can discover four themed zones in the Field of Play, each packed with interactive activities, from den-building to designing your own obstacle course. There will also be fencing in the courtyard on July 26 and 27, storytelling events taking place on July 21 and 28 and August 4, and visitors can even put their bow and arrow skills to the test in an archery session* on August 23, 24 and 25. Erddig Hall and Garden (Image: National Trust Images/John Miller) Just nine miles from Chirk Castle, you'll find Erddig Hall - a late 17th-century country house with a Grade I listed garden. Wind-fell oak sourced from the 1,200-acre estate, located on the outskirts of Wrexham city centre, has been used to create the ceremonial chair for this year's National Eisteddfod, while foliage will feature in displays across the Maes. Within the estate's restored 18th-century walled garden, visitors can wander the paths to discover a Victorian parterre, herbaceous borders, and apple trees brimming with fruit. Inside Erddig Hall itself, you can journey through a family home filled with a collection of servants' portraits and poems, fine interiors, textiles, and furniture. Like Chirk Castle, Erddig Hall is hosting a Summer of Play, full of exciting activities for the whole family, from July 19 to August 31. Have a go at traditional garden games, including dominoes and badminton, or try making music in Wolf's Den natural play area, where you can soar high on the rope swing or balance on beams. Throughout the summer, visitors can also design their own postcard on Mondays, listen to storytelling on Wednesdays, or brush up on their art skills on Fine Art Fridays. Plus, during Eisteddfod week itself, from August 2 to 9, 2025, you can visit a special Welsh book corner within Erddig's secondhand bookshop, or have a go at making your own ddraig goch (red dragon) out of paper on August 2 and 9. Plan your visits So, what are you waiting for? Both Chirk Castle and Erddig are must-see places in north-east Wales, and with a free programme* of activities and events happening throughout the summer, there's really no better time to visit. To find out more and book your admission tickets, visit or *The Summer of Play events are free, but normal admission charges apply for each venue. There is an additional £1 charge for five arrows for the archery.
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Without PIP you hit rock bottom - benefit cuts are kicking us when we're down'
Recipients of disability benefits and PIP have hit out at the UK Government as a 'catastrophic' benefits cut bill was revealed with many left 'terrified' that their financial support will be taken away People who rely on disability benefits including PIP have hit out at the government after new legislation was published which shows plans aiming to slash £5 billion from the welfare bill in the next five years. As the government published its controversial benefits bill, overhauling the system for recipients of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments, the Mirror spoke to everyday people who have been left terrified by the proposals. Paul Harris, 45, from Barnard Castle, Co Durham, started claiming benefits when a mental breakdown left him unable to work eight years ago. Now, he's scared his financial support will be taken away, and fears becoming a 'burden' on his wife. After being diagnosed with anxiety and depression, Paul defaulted on bank loans and credit cards, and eventually relocated from Bedfordshire to the north in an effort to reduce his costs. He tried medication but suffered night terrors as a side effect and has exhausted the help available to him on the NHS. He uses his PIP and ESA payments, which equate to around £800 a month, to pay for essentials such as food and bills as well as using supplements to manage his anxiety and depression. Paul told the Mirror: "On the very bad days I'm back in bed with the curtains closed. "Last time I tried opening my CV I had a panic attack, I wouldn't even know what job to try and apply for, I struggle even getting on job websites, the anxiety builds even thinking about it." Paul, who worked in hotel reservations before becoming a property negotiator, says many of his anxious triggers are work related following his breakdown. It left him so physically debilitated he would lock himself in the work bathroom while having panic attacks and eventually was so unwell he couldn't even get ready for work. He added: "I already had a two year battle to have PIP reinstated a couple of years ago and at the time I used to call myself 'zero' because I wasn't bringing any money in. "I didn't feel like I was contributing anything and everything was on my wife. That had a massive negative impact. Having the money doesn't cure it but it gives you a little something to work from. Without PIP you hit rock bottom." Now the government's benefits bill means Paul and his wife Kim could face a £290 cut to their monthly income if his PIP payments are removed again. He said: "It's terrifying. It's that feeling of being completely misunderstood. "I have a lot of problems anyway feeling like a burden to my wife because she's the sole earner and it's had a massive impact on her mental health as well. If she can't work because she's self-employed, what do we do then? "I've exhausted all the NHS can do now the government wants to take my financial support away. How many more people do they want to kick while they're down?"
Wales Online
16-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Inside 'hidden' Welsh house that really should be famous
Inside 'hidden' Welsh house that really should be famous The National Trust property is a 16th century farmhouse nestled in the Wybrnant valley near the village of Penmachno, Conwy Exterior of Ty Mawr Wybrnant, Conwy, Wales. The farmhouse was the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan, the first person to translate the whole Bible into Welsh, thus ensuring the survival of the language (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris ) Wales boasts a wealth of celebrated castles and grand estates that are renowned both locally and internationally. However, there exists a somewhat "hidden gem" with substantial historical significance, particularly in the preservation of Welsh language and culture. In an effort to attract more visitors for holidays or day trips, Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant has undergone a "transformational" refurbishment. Nestled in the Wybrnant valley near Penmachno in Conwy, this 16th-century farmhouse marks the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan. Morgan is notably credited with translating the Bible into Welsh, employing rich and lucid language. His work – Y Beibl Cyssegr-lan, published in 1588 – stands as one of the pivotal milestones in Welsh history, continually inspiring individuals, movements, and communities throughout Wales, and becoming a bastion for Welsh identity and the perseverance of the Welsh language in speech, print, and digital realms. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here READ MORE: This is Wales' best building in 2025 YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The ordinary-looking home with an unexpected treat in the tiny back garden The National Trust, which oversees the property, has implemented improvements centred on enhancing access and the interpretive experience, thereby deepening visitor engagement with Tŷ Mawr's esteemed Bible collection. Alongside these visitor-focused developments, the project also addressed critical maintenance issues by rectifying water ingress problems affecting the farmhouse. The exhibition room, now known as Y Llyfrgell (The Library), situated next to the main farmhouse, has undergone a complete transformation to provide visitors with an immersive experience. A stunning walk-in pod, inspired by the depiction of Saint Jerome (the translator of the Latin Vulgate Bible) in his study, has been crafted to honour William Morgan's Welsh translation of the Bible, reports North Wales Live. This distinctive space, essentially a room within a room, encapsulates the act of reading and will house the property's expanding collection of donated Bibles in various languages, which visitors can engage with. A modern interpretation of the Gothic lettering found in the 1588 Welsh Bible has been specially designed to provide a lively rendition of selected verses, now etched onto furniture and features within Y Llyfrgell. These are enhanced by other charming details such as glass ornamentation, calligraphic shelf marks, guides in contemporary medieval binding, and panel materials inspired by the surrounding Welsh landscape. Ty Mawr, New Walk-in Pod based on Saint Jerome in his study from a painting by Antonella da Messina (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris ) New interpretive material has also been developed within this space, with contributions from experts in the field, enabling visitors to learn about the story of Tŷ Mawr and William Morgan within a wider historical context before exploring the rest of the property. Within the farmhouse itself, an original copy of the 1588 Welsh Bible is now housed at Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant. The Bible is showcased in a newly installed museum-grade display case on the ground floor, allowing all visitors to view this historical artefact. Similar high-quality display cases have been fitted on the first floor, set to house a variety of other Bibles from the collection. The current selections are complemented by imaginative descriptions, courtesy of creative research workshops conducted with students from Dyffryn Conwy secondary school, under the guidance of Professor Angharad Price from Bangor University. Ty Mawr, New Oak staircase in the Farmhouse (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris ) Each student selected a Bible, explored its unique character using their five senses, and then envisioned the journey that their chosen Bible had undertaken to arrive at Tŷ Mawr. They also speculated about who might have wished to donate their Bible and why. The previously steep, ladder-like staircase leading to the first floor, which was installed during the 1988 reinterpretation, has been replaced with a more traditional gradient staircase, complete with a banister for safer navigation. The sole plate timber across the door threshold into the main room has also been removed. This modern addition will enhance accessibility within the building. Research conducted by author and researcher Hedd ap Emlyn, alongside Cambridge PhD student Ryan Comins, has shed light on the importance of Tŷ Mawr's Bible collection. Their work has offered valuable insights into how the collection, as well as William Morgan's efforts, fit into the broader narrative of Bible translations. The research has helped to contextualise the stories behind the donations and identified key gaps in the Bible collection. Part of the investment has also been directed towards preventing long-term water damage to the southern gable end of the farmhouse. This issue has been a persistent concern at the property, with studies suggesting that this wall was not originally designed to be an external wall. Ty Mawr, New Exhibition Display for 1588 Bible in the Farmhouse (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris ) An image from the 1880s shows a lean-to sheltering the gable end from the elements. Surveys have also uncovered multiple hairline cracks in the stonework and failed pointing. A temporary scaffold shelter has been erected to shield the gable, allowing it to dry before applying a lime aggregate mix. This will serve as the base for subsequent limewash coats. It is anticipated that this will significantly reduce water ingress at the gable end and help protect the centuries-old oak lintel, a period feature, over the fireplace on that side of the house. This work is set to be completed shortly with the internal walls having already been freshly limewashed. Trystan Edwards, Eryri General Manager with National Trust Cymru, expressed his enthusiasm for the recent enhancements at Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant, stating: "The improvements at Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant are truly transformational, enhancing the visitor experience and bringing the history of William Morgan's masterpiece to life in new and exciting ways. The project marks a new chapter in the history of Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant, ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire future generations." He continued by expressing gratitude to those who supported the project: "We are immensely grateful to the Wolfson Foundation, Vronhaul Llandinam Charity and the Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones Trust for helping us to fund this wonderful project and to make these exciting improvements possible." Edwards also acknowledged the contributions of various professionals and local contractors: "We'd also like to extend our thanks to vPPR architects, RM Jones Joinery, Glasshaus Displays, Twelve, Dewis Architecture and all the local contractors involved in delivering various aspects of the project." Ty Mawr, new exhibition display for 1588 Bible in the Farmhouse (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris ) In conclusion, he showed appreciation for the dedication of the National Trust team: "Lastly, my full appreciation of the hard work that staff and volunteers of the National Trust, indeed everyone that has been part of this project, have shown to make all of this possible." Tatiana von Preussen, of vPPR Architects, expressed her delight at being commissioned by the National Trust to design a series of oak display objects for a unique Bible collection. She said: "We are delighted to have been commissioned by the National Trust to design a family of oak display objects that enable the exhibition and handling of this very special Bible collection. We were inspired by Antonello da Messina's famous painting of Saint Jerome in his Study, where he was depicted translating the Bible into Latin. We then transported this idea to Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant to celebrate Bishop Willam Morgan's translation of the Bible into Welsh." She further explained how they recreated the famous painting to form a sealed, humidity-controlled study, which doubles as a display case when closed. She said: "We have recreated the famous painting to form a sealed, humidity controlled study, where the collection of Bibles can be handled but becomes a display case when the study is closed. The simple arched geometry in plain oak is carried through to the other objects: a comfortable chair, also recreated from the painting, a large oak refectory table and benches in the library outside the pod and a set of museum quality display cases in the farmhouse." She also acknowledged the contributions of graphic designers, Twelve, who provided verses from the 1588 Bible in the same printed gothic typeface, etched into the pod and furniture. She added: "Graphic designers, Twelve, provided verses from the 1588 Bible in the same printed gothic typeface, which have been etched into the pod and furniture. Welsh joiner, RM Jones meticulously crafted the pod and furniture, while Glasshaus fabricated the museum-grade vitrines with oak stands to match." Meredydd Jones from R. M Jones Joinery, expressed his satisfaction by saying: "We are pleased to have been involved in the redevelopment of various elements of the project at Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant. This includes the creation of a new library, manufacture of bespoke furniture, various alteration works and the installation of a new staircase at the farmhouse." The rejuvenation efforts at Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant have been bolstered by significant funding, including a considerable investment of £294,500. This financial boost was made possible by nearly £150,000 in grants from the Wolfson Foundation, contributions from Welsh charitable trusts Vronhaul Llandinam Charity and Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones Trust, alongside substantial support from National Trust Cymru. Since being entrusted to the National Trust in 1951, the property has seen extensive care, particularly during the 1980s when the farmhouse was meticulously restored to its original Tudor style from William Morgan's time. It was then reopened in 1988 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the translation, with the latest investments marking the beginning of a new era for Tŷ Mawr. Article continues below Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant invites visitors for the 2025 season between 10am and 4pm on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays until the end of September. On every first Sunday of the month throughout the season the site hosts a special event - check the website for details. For more property stories and home content join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
Business Upturn
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Blue Square X and Aurora Multimedia Redefine the Conference Room and Classroom with Vision X and ReAX Room
ORLANDO, Fla., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Square X is partnering with Aurora Multimedia to deliver a groundbreaking meeting room experience at InfoComm 2025. Featured in Booth 2342, the collaboration brings together Blue Square X's Vision X 163″ COB Flip Chip LED wall with Aurora's ReAX Room platform—fusing immersive visuals with intelligent control in one seamless, high-performance environment. Vision X sets a new standard in LED display technology, offering ultra-fine pixel spacings from 0.9mm to 1.5mm and delivering ultra-high contrast, wide viewing angles, and vibrant, lifelike color. The COB Flip Chip architecture enhances both performance and reliability, eliminating traditional wire bonding for better heat dissipation, reduced failure rates, and consistent output over time. 'We built Vision X to redefine how content lives in a space,' said Yitzy Shapiro, COO of Blue Square X. 'It's not just beautiful—it's smart, scalable, and designed to integrate effortlessly into environments where performance and aesthetics both matter.' Designed for versatility, Vision X comes in preconfigured sizes up to 271' and scales to ultra-wide formats over 400', ideal for executive boardrooms, immersive classrooms, and multipurpose collaboration spaces. Each system ships as a complete, ready-to-install package—including the LED wall, controller, spare kit, mounting solution, and trim—so teams can deploy faster and focus on impact. 'Displays should elevate—not interrupt—the space around them,' added Paul Harris, CEO of Aurora Multimedia. 'That's why Vision X is such a powerful pairing for ReAX. It amplifies the intelligence in the room while keeping the attention where it belongs: on the content.' 'At Blue Square X, we believe immersive environments should do more than impress—they should empower,' said Chanan Averbuch, Director of Innovation. 'Vision X is designed to remove friction, enhance clarity, and create a space where ideas flow effortlessly. It's not just about brighter screens—it's about smarter, more human-centered experiences.' On the control side, Aurora's ReAX Room reimagines in-room interaction with distributed 4' touch panels at every seat, each featuring a beamforming Dante/AES67 microphone, integrated speaker, and personalized interface. This setup creates a speaker array at the table and full microphone coverage—enabling mix-minus voice lifting via Aurora's DTX Series DSP. It improves both clarity and security by lowering room volume and minimizing audio leakage. More key features of the ReAX Room include: Personalized seat name display 3.5mm and Bluetooth LE for assistive listening and translation 'Raise hand' functionality and speaker queue Voting and results storage Room control from any seat NFC + Bluetooth device transfer for BYOD control USB-C and HDMI AVoIP inputs with 100W charging Secondary display outputs Fully customizable UI via Aurora's Core Studio AI tool Wall-mounted booking panels with visual status ring Expandable AVoIP via VPX Series transceivers Zoom™/Teams™ integration via VPX-UC1-ULTRA PoE+ audio enhancement with BX-25D Compact PoE++ PC options with RXS-2 Enterprise room management through TRACS software 'We've rethought the meeting experience from the inside out,' said Harris. 'ReAX brings together audio, video, and control with the kind of granularity and flexibility teams actually need—and when paired with Vision X, it delivers an experience that's as intuitive as it is impressive.' Live demos will run every hour in Booth 2342, showcasing real-time control handoff, smart seating, synchronized content display, and dynamic presentation capabilities powered by Vision X and ReAX. Whether you're designing a future-ready classroom, hybrid huddle room, or high-stakes boardroom, Vision X + ReAX Room offers a premium solution where smart control meets immersive design. Experience the full environment live at InfoComm Booth 2342 About Blue Square XBlue Square X is a digital experience innovation company that transforms imagination into reality by fusing powerful storytelling, art, cutting-edge technology, and architecture. With operations in New York and Miami, they specialize in crafting captivating and immersive visual experiences across a wide range of industries. Blue Square X's focus on cutting-edge technology and innovation drives business growth and enhances customer experiences. Stay up to date with Blue Square X on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook , X , and YouTube
