Latest news with #SouthWales
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Wales' papers: Rugby player stabbed and police force under fire
Western Mail Daily Post South Wales Evening Post The Flintshire Leader South Wales Echo The Wrexham Leader South Wales Argus Abergavenny Chronicle Monmouthshire Beacon Brecon & Radnor Express Cambrian News Tenby Observer Barry and District News Penarth Times Free Press Series
Sky News
3 days ago
- Sky News
'It's just wrong': Pet owner's plea after 43-year-old tortoise 'taken'
A woman in South Wales, whose 43-year-old tortoise is thought to have been stolen, has issued an appeal to help locate him - more than a month since he was last seen. Ann Thatcher, whose tortoise Sesame went missing from his home in Neath, South Wales, is still hoping to be reunited with her beloved pet. The 76-year-old told Sky News Sesame had been part of her family since he was bought in a shop in Cardiff 43 years ago. "He's been through five cats, two dogs, two daughters, four grandchildren and various members of the family who've loved him and now gone, so he really is a family member," she said. "And I just can't believe somebody has taken him like that with no thought or regard for him or for us." Her young grandson is particularly upset at the thought of Sesame having been taken away. Sesame would spend most of his time out in the garden, before he would "toddle off to his little house" in the evening. While police have been informed, there was "very little they can do" without further evidence, Mrs Thatcher said. She is now offering a £500 reward to anyone who reunites her with her pet tortoise. Sesame, who Mrs Thatcher described as "quite a frisky male", damaged his shell last year and requires medication. "After having him, cared for him after all this time, now he's not going to be so well treated," Mrs Thatcher added. "He obviously isn't, because they don't know him. And that's what bothers me now is that, will he even survive?" A change in the law was introduced in England and Northern Ireland last year, meaning that anyone convicted of stealing a pet in those nations could face up to five years in prison - but it only extends to cat and dog abduction. Pet theft is a criminal offence in Wales but is not covered by the Pet Abduction Act introduced last year. "We're talking about a living thing here, not items," said Mrs Thatcher. "He's older than my youngest daughter. He's grown up with so many people, it's just wrong, it's cruel to take him away."
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
'Show-off' driver who revved engine before flipping his car and killing grandfather who was walking his dogs is jailed
A 'show off' driver revved the engine of his powerful car before killing an innocent grandfather walking his dog has been jailed. Daniel Boucher, 28, bragged about the horsepower of his Peugeot 207 moments before a deadly crash. He lost control of the car after taking a bend too fast, flipping the vehicle and ploughing into 66-year-old David Paul Chaplin. Mr Chaplin, who had been walking two dogs in Nelson, near Caerphilly, South Wales, was struck with devastating force. Emergency crews raced to the scene, including officers, paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service, the Welsh Air Ambulance, and South Wales Fire and Rescue. But despite their efforts, the grandfather died at the scene. Prosecutor Owen Williams said Boucher had finished work when he bragged to colleague Scott Williams about the 165 and 170 horsepower of his 'turbocharged' car. He said Boucher had been driving 'way too fast' after leaving work and crashed a short way into his journey. Boucher was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving having admitted a lesser charge of causing death by careless driving. Hashim Salmman, defending, said Boucher was genuinely remorseful. Judge Vanessa Francis told him: 'This was a tragic miscalculation of what speed was safe to negotiate that bend and your ability to control the car and keep other road users safe as is your responsibility.' Boucher, of Argoed, Blackwood, was jailed for four years and banned from driving for five years. Speaking after the sentence Mr Chaplin's daughter Abby Hillberg, said her father was 'more than just a victim of a tragic and heartbreaking event, he was an amazing dad, and outstanding grandfather, a partner and a friend to many.' She said: 'Today we remember and honour the life of the amazing and wonderful Paul Chaplin, whose life was tragically cut short on 18 April 2023 due a road traffic collision. 'His life was cruelly taken from him far too soon, and the shock and impact of this loss has affected everyone who loved and knew him. 'He was the main function of our family, our whole world and more. 'He was more than just a victim of a tragic and heartbreaking event, he was an amazing dad, and outstanding grandfather, a partner and a friend to many. 'He brightened every room he walked in, made a positive impact on everyone who met him and, most of all, brought happiness to those around him. 'No words will ever explain the heartache and sorrow that we felt and still feel to this day, but in remembering our Dad and Bampi we hold onto the joy and love he brought into our lives and remember all the memories we share and that remain in our hearts forever. 'There is not a day that goes by where we don't think of him, tell him we love him or reminisce on our happy memories. He really was one of a kind, a true gentleman and an honourable man. 'We hope for this tribute to serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety and acknowledgement of pedestrians. 'Every life lost is a family shattered and a future rewritten. Rest in peace and keep showing us daily that you are with us. You will never be forgotten, we love you always.' Sergeant Shane Draper, the senior investigating officer from the serious collision investigation unit, said: 'This is a tragic case that has resulted in the needless loss of a life. 'The facts of the case are that, after leaving work, Boucher drove dangerously, far too quickly for the road and lost control of his vehicle. 'Boucher was showing off and his failure to drive to the required competent and careful driving standard has caused devastating consequences - the death of Mr Chaplin, who was simply walking his dog on the pavement. 'The importance of driving carefully and to your ability at all times is never more poignant than in this case; the collision was so unnecessary. Dangerous driving ruins lives. 'This is a reminder to everyone who gets behind the wheel - your responsibility isn't just to ensure your own safety, but the safety of everyone around you. 'Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Chaplin.'
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
'Violent attacks' in south Wales lead to five swan deaths in Neath
An investigation has been launched into a series of "violent attacks" across south Wales led which have to multiple swan Wales Police said officers had been responding to "several incidents" involving swans along the Neath canal over the past three to four years, in various locations from Briton Ferry to Neath. While no suspects have been identified yet, the force said there was "nothing to suggest its the same person responsible" for all of the deaths. Volunteers from the Swan Rescue South Wales said they were "devastated" by the said one bird appeared to have been shot in the head by an air rifle, while another had a brick dropped on it. Warning: There are images in this story that some readers may find distressing The small animal welfare group - which offers "sticking plaster" support for what it believes has become a growing problem, by rescuing and re-releasing as many of the injured animals as possible - said it was aware of at least five swan deaths in the said one swan was found, believed to have been beaten to death, while another appeared to have been shot after a pellet was found lodged near its tongue. The group said it had received about 190 calls this year, with about 10% related to "violent attacks" on well as within its own patch, the volunteers have also been receiving calls from Somerset, Llandrindod Wells in Powys and even Penmaenmawr in Conwy county. Vanessa Price, a volunteer from the group, said they had seen a brick dropped onto a young cygnet, breaking its back and causing it to drown. "A female swan was also shot through the head with an air rifle and seven of her eggs stolen, which were two weeks away from hatching," she added."There have been dead ducks, and moorhens found. Lots of pigeons have been shot too."It's been awful."She said police had been patrolling the area since the investigation was launched, but added it was mainly the volunteers who kept the birds safe."We can't be there 24/7 and neither can the police because they have other cases to deal with," she Wales Police added it wanted to "remind the public that it is an offence to injure or kill a swan and we will prosecute if we find that someone has".
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Expanding Horizons acquires three South Wales care homes
Cwmbran-based Expanding Horizons secured the homes following its takeover of Enable Care Services (South Wales) Ltd. The acquisition was funded by a £3.25 million investment from NatWest. Ellis Jenkins, director at Expanding Horizons, said: "At Expanding Horizons, we care deeply about the quality of care our service users receive. "We seek to not only support individuals but empower them to be the best versions of themselves. "The fact that so many people in Wales are living with disabilities and severe mental illness underscores the critical need for tailored support which helps them gain or rebuild their independence. "Residents of South Wales deserve the highest quality of care, and we are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Enable Care Services as we continue to grow and expand our network. "NatWest has been exceptional throughout the process, demonstrating a deep understanding of our industry and our goals and we are incredibly grateful for their support." The deal includes two care homes in Cwmbran and one in Argoed. Expanding Horizons provides personalised support for people with learning disabilities and severe mental illnesses. The company marks its 20th anniversary this year. Part of the funding will go towards the acquisition, while the remainder will support refinancing and infrastructure improvements to ensure regulatory compliance. The expansion is aimed at meeting the rising demand for residential and supported living services across South Wales. According to Public Health Network Cymru, around 900,000 people in Wales live with a disability. This represents 27 per cent of the population, compared to the UK average of 22 per cent. Neil Williams, senior relationship manager at NatWest, said: "The work that Expanding Horizons does is absolutely invaluable to its service users and is the exact sort of community benefit that we look to support at NatWest. "We look forward to continuing our partnership and are excited to witness Expanding Horizon's continued growth and evolution." Expanding Horizons said the acquisition will improve its ability to deliver high-quality care across the region. The company currently operates a portfolio of care homes and supported living services in South Wales.
