Crime

Newport man jailed for terrorism offences

Published

2 months ago

March 7, 2026

A NEWPORT man has been jailed for five years after admitting a series of terrorism offences linked to the proscribed extremist group Islamic State.

Shazad Ali, aged 21, from the Newport area of Gwent, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday (March 6) after previously pleading guilty to multiple offences.

Ali admitted supporting the proscribed organisation ISIS, two counts of encouraging terrorism, and possessing documents likely to be useful to a terrorist.

The charges were brought under the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Terrorism Act 2006.

Counter Terrorism Policing Wales said Ali was arrested in January 2025. Officers carried out a search of his home, where they recovered digital devices which revealed he had built up a library of extremist terrorist publications.

Investigators also found that Ali had publicly shared a number of extreme Islamist videos online.

The court heard that Ali’s activities demonstrated support for the Islamic State group and involved material promoting extremist ideology.

In addition to the five-year prison sentence, the judge imposed an extended licence period of two years following his release.

Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, of Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said the sentence followed a lengthy investigation.

She said: “Shazad Ali represented a very clear and dangerous threat to the public, and this sentence concludes what has been a lengthy investigation conducted by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales.

“Ali visibly expressed his support for the Islamic State, and it was our overriding priority to ensure the public were protected from both him and the abhorrent rhetoric he promoted.”

Police reminded the public that reporting concerns about extremist behaviour can help prevent serious harm.

They added that information about suspicious activity can be reported through the government’s Action Counters Terrorism campaign, and that in an emergency the public should always dial 999.

Crime

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

Published

16 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

FAMILY WATCHED FROM PUBLIC GALLERY AS CASE SENT TO CROWN COURT

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with causing the death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer Tim Minett by dangerous driving.

Mr Minett was riding a Blood Bike Wales Honda motorcycle on the afternoon of July 2, 2025, when it was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Crafter van on the A478 between Glandycross and Blaenffos.

He had been transporting blood supplies for the NHS at the time.

This week the van’s driver, Roger King, 57, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with causing Mr Minett’s death by dangerous driving.

King stood in the dock to confirm his name, age and address as members of Mr Minett’s family watched from the public gallery.

Magistrates were told that, due to the seriousness of the allegation, the case can only be dealt with at the Crown Court.

Proceedings will continue at Swansea Crown Court on May 29.

King was released on unconditional bail until that date.c

Crime

Man breached restraining order by entering woman’s home

Published

17 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

COURT HEARS APPLICATION MADE TO DISCHARGE ORDER

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been sentenced after being found inside a woman’s home despite being banned from contacting her.

Peter Bromley, 51, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, was made subject to a restraining order by Haverfordwest magistrates on February 26.

The order prevented him from having any direct or indirect contact with Rhiannon Bowen.

But on April 8, police received a call claiming Bromley was present at Ms Bowen’s address in Fishguard.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that when officers arrived at the property, Ms Bowen initially denied that Bromley was there.

However, when officers gained access to the property, they found Bromley inside the kitchen.

This week Bromley pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order.

He was legally represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told magistrates that Ms Bowen had recently begun proceedings to have the restraining order removed and discharged.

“Considerable progress has been made by the defendant in various areas of his life,” said Mr Lloyd.

Bromley was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.

He must also complete a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Crime

Drink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop

Published

17 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

SENTENCE ADJOURNED FOR PROBATION REPORT

A 23-YEAR-old motorist has been given an interim driving ban after admitting he was over the drink-drive limit when he damaged a bicycle in a collision.

Ajay Mathias was driving his Ford Fiesta along the A478 at Allensbank on April 8 when he collided with the bicycle.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that subsequent breath tests showed Mathias had 44 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Mathias, of Min y Llan, Letterston, appeared before magistrates this week where he pleaded guilty to drink-driving and failing to stop after a road accident.

Sentencing was adjourned until April 30, when magistrates will consider a probation report.

Mathias was released on unconditional bail until that date.