News

Bishops urge Senedd to block assisted suicide consent vote

Published

4 weeks ago

January 21, 2026

CATHOLIC bishops in Wales have called on Members of the Senedd to withhold consent for Westminster’s assisted suicide legislation, ahead of a debate and vote expected next week.

In a joint statement issued on Monday (Jan 19), Archbishop Mark O’Toole of Cardiff-Menevia and Bishop Peter Brignall of Wrexham said they were “deeply concerned” about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament.

On Tuesday (Jan 27), Senedd Members are expected to be asked whether Wales should give legislative consent for the bill. This is the process used when UK legislation touches on devolved matters, including areas linked to health and the delivery of public services.

The bishops said that, if enacted, the bill would legalise assisted suicide and represent what they described as a “profound change” in how society responds to people who are terminally ill.

They warned that vulnerable people could be placed at greater risk, arguing that in countries where assisted suicide has been legalised, eligibility criteria have tended to widen over time, the number of deaths has increased, and some people may feel subtle pressure to end their lives, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or anxious about becoming a burden.

Calling on Wales’ “long and proud tradition of compassion,” the bishops said true compassion did not mean ending a life, but supporting those who suffer, easing pain, and ensuring no one feels abandoned or without worth.

They urged politicians to focus instead on strengthening palliative and end-of-life care, saying every person should be able to live their final days with dignity, comfort and peace.

Supporters of assisted dying argue that the law would give mentally competent adults with a terminal diagnosis greater choice at the end of life, and say that any system introduced should include strict safeguards to prevent coercion or abuse. They also say the debate should include the experiences of patients and families facing the realities of prolonged and distressing deaths.

The bishops’ intervention comes as assisted dying continues to prompt strong views across the UK, with campaigners, faith groups, medical professionals and disability rights advocates raising questions about safeguards, potential unintended consequences, and the resourcing of palliative care.

As the Senedd vote approaches, Archbishop O’Toole and Bishop Brignall have invited people across Wales to “pray and reflect carefully” on the issue.

They are also encouraging those who can to observe a day of fasting on Monday (Jan 26), the eve of the debate, in solidarity with those they believe would be most vulnerable if the bill becomes law, and to urge those supporting it to reconsider.

The bishops ended by calling on the public to engage respectfully with their elected representatives ahead of what they described as an important decision for Wales.

Crime

Man who threw corrosive liquid at guest and fled abroad jailed

Published

13 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A BUSINESSMAN who threw a corrosive liquid into a guest’s face during a row at a spiritual retreat before fleeing the country has been jailed for 18 months.

Dean Mayze, aged 38, from Abercrave in Powys, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm following the attack at his Hafan-y-Coed retreat in December 2022.

Swansea Crown Court heard the assault happened after an argument with guest Keifer Price, who had complained about the condition of his accommodation, including a lack of heating and washing facilities.

During the confrontation, Mayze produced a blue container and threw its contents upwards into the victim’s face.

The liquid — described as smelling like ammonia — entered Mr Price’s eyes, nose and mouth, leaving him in severe pain and struggling to breathe.

Medical evidence confirmed injuries consistent with a chemical burn to both eyes. He suffered abrasions, a corneal defect and the loss of the outer corneal layer in one eye, requiring significant treatment to prevent permanent sight loss. He has since recovered without lasting injury.

Fled across Europe

Following the attack, Mayze fled the UK, triggering an international search.

The court heard he travelled across several European countries, including Ireland, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece, before eventually being arrested in Romania in 2025.

Despite being on the run, he remained in regular contact with police by text and email, at one point telling officers he would not be returning to Wales.

His partner initially claimed responsibility for the assault and later received a suspended prison sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.

Previous conviction

The court was told Mayze has a previous conviction for wounding involving a corrosive substance in Kent in 2013.

Defence barrister Andrew Taylor said his client had experienced harsh conditions while detained in Romania, including contracting scabies without treatment, and described him as remorseful.

However, Judge Geraint Walters said it was “pure luck” the victim had not suffered permanent injuries, describing the attack as a “particularly wicked way of inflicting violence”.

Sentence and order

Mayze, who appeared via video link from prison, had previously denied a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and made subject to a three-year restraining order.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

18 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

19 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.