Crime
Teenager named as police launch murder inquiry into Barry Island death

Taha Soomro, 16, died after alleged assault at busy seaside park
POLICE have confirmed that a 16-year-old boy who died at Barry Island Pleasure Park on Friday evening (May 23) was the victim of an assault — and a 15-year-old has now been arrested and remanded in custody.

The teenager has been named as Taha Soomro, from Grangetown in Cardiff. Emergency services were called to the popular tourist spot just before 5:00pm following reports of a serious incident. Despite the best efforts of police and paramedics, Taha was pronounced dead at the scene.
A murder investigation has since been launched by South Wales Police, who say they are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident. Officers are appealing for witnesses who were at the park at the time to come forward.
A police spokesperson said: “We are continuing to investigate the death of a teenage boy at Barry Island Pleasure Park.
He has been named as Taha Soomro, 16, of Grangetown, Cardiff.
Police were called just before 5:00pm to a report of a 16-year-old suffering a medical episode. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Taha died at the scene.
A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody.”
The incident happened during the first evening of the school half-term holiday, with large crowds present in the park. Eyewitnesses described seeing police cars, ambulances, and the Wales Air Ambulance landing nearby shortly after 5:30pm.
The park reopened to the public on Saturday morning, issuing a statement that said:
“All of our team did their best to assist the emergency services but unfortunately the boy couldn’t be saved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. The park remains open as usual.”
Hundreds of tributes have been posted online in memory of Taha. One message read: “Life is so cruel. Thinking of his family at this heartbreaking time.” Another added: “Thank you to the emergency services for trying to help this young lad. Rest in peace, Taha.”
Police are asking anyone with information or footage that could assist the investigation to get in touch, quoting reference 2500163611.
Crime
Teenager to face Crown Court trial over strangulation allegations

Two separate incidents under investigation
A TEENAGER has appeared before magistrates accused of attempting to strangle the same woman on two separate occasions.
Ieuan John, 19, of Plas Peregrein, Steynton, Milford Haven, is charged with attempting to strangle a female on January 6 and again on October 2, 2024. He is also accused of assaulting her, causing actual bodily harm.
“This matter is aggravated by the fact that there are two separate strangulations,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday.
The court heard that police were called to the second incident on October 2 following a report from the female, who alleged she had been punched to the legs and torso. She later attended hospital for treatment, where she disclosed the earlier alleged strangulation.
John denies all three charges.
Following a request from the Crown, magistrates declined jurisdiction and committed the case to Swansea Crown Court. Proceedings will commence on July 25.
John was granted conditional bail. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, must not enter Richard John Road, Milford Haven, and must reside and sleep at his home address.
Crime
Milford man admits threatening neighbour after 27-year feud

Victim ‘terrified’ after being called homophobic slur
A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted using homophobic and abusive language during a confrontation with his neighbour of 27 years.
Andrew Johns, 46, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
The incident occurred on May 30 in Richard John Road, when neighbour Elizabeth Radcliffe returned home.
“They’ve lived next door to each other for 27 years, but there have been numerous issues,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. “That day, when she came home, the defendant started calling her a c*** and said he was going to kill her husband, who he described as ‘a f****** gay muppet’.”
Ms Vaughan said the victim was left feeling terrified in her own home as a result of the outburst.
Probation report ordered
Due to the homophobic nature of the comments and concerns over the defendant’s mental health, magistrates agreed to a request from the Crown Prosecution Service for a full probation report to be prepared before sentencing.
Johns, of Richard John Road, was released on conditional bail until sentencing on July 15. He must not contact Mr or Mrs Radcliffe, either directly or indirectly.
Crime
Man remanded after escaping police by asking to check on dog

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody after escaping from police by claiming he needed to tend to his dog.
Officers attended the home of Zachariah Roberts, 23, in Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, to question him over an alleged breach of bail conditions. During the visit, Roberts asked to check on his dog.
“He was given some latitude by officers,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “But instead, he let himself out of the property and made off. It doesn’t get any higher than that.”
Magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the offence. Following a request by Ms Vaughan, Roberts was remanded in custody.
The remand was made on the grounds that he may commit further offences, interfere with witnesses, or fail to surrender to bail.
Roberts is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on July 25.
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