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Nominations open for volunteer awards

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NOMINATIONS are now open for Wales’ premier awards scheme recognising the work of the many dedicated and inspirational individuals and groups of volunteers across the country.

There are around a million people volunteering in Wales, helping to make real changes for the better to our lives. Run by third sector umbrella organisation Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) since 2004, the Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards has six nomination categories:

Nominations now open: At last year’s event

Nominations now open: At last year’s event

Individual (age 25 and over)

Young volunteer (under 25 years), supported by GwirVol

Groups

‘Green’ volunteer, supported by Environment Wales

Trustee

International volunteer

Last year’s winners included a woman who dreamt up an innovative fundraising campaign to improve lives in Ethiopia, a full-time horticulturist who spends two days a week working on a communal allotment to help people in need and in recovery, and a young man who has helped shape a club for young people with disabilities by giving up all his spare time to organise activities for them.

Ruth Marks, WCVA Chief Executive said: “Wales is a nation of volunteers that give up their time and energy to make our country a better place to live. Please use this opportunity to say thank you to someone you know who works for the good of their community and who makes a real difference to the lives of others.”

The closing date for nominations is April 10. Forms are available at wcva.org.uk. Hard copies are available from WCVA’s Helpdesk by calling 0800 2888 329

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News

Agricultural shed fire on Narberth Road in Saundersfoot

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CREWS from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service stations in Tenby and Milford Haven were called to a fire on Narberth Road, Saundersfoot, at 1:05pm on Monday (Jan 27).

The blaze involved a caravan and an agricultural shed measuring approximately 15 metres by 15 metres. The shed, which contained vehicles and machinery, was completely destroyed along with the caravan.

Firefighters used two hose reel jets, two main jets, an otter pump, and a water shuttle system drawing from an open water source to bring the fire under control.

Crews left the scene at 3:20pm.

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Crime

Prison bosses dismiss assault rumours against Southport killer

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PRISON authorities have denied claims circulating on social media that Axel Rudakubana, the Southport killer convicted of murdering three young girls, has been attacked while in custody. The rumours, which gained traction after the circulation of a voice note on Sunday (Jan 26), alleged that the 18-year-old was assaulted by two inmates at HMP Manchester, where he is serving his sentence.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice firmly dismissed the allegations, stating: “Reports of Axel Rudakubana being attacked in prison are inaccurate. He has not been attacked.”

Rudakubana, originally from Cardiff but residing in the Lancashire village of Banks for the past decade, was sentenced on Thursday to a minimum of 52 years behind bars. His crimes, described as among the most extreme and shocking in recent history, included the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, as well as the attempted murder of ten others. The brutal attack took place on July 29 last year at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

During sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Justice Goose outlined the horrifying details of Rudakubana’s calculated and violent actions. “He walked straight into the building, up the stairs to where he could hear the sound of happy children. His intention was clear: to murder as many of them as he physically could.”

Over a harrowing 15 minutes, Rudakubana fatally attacked three children, severely injured eight others, and wounded two adults who attempted to intervene. The judge highlighted the unrelenting nature of his violence: “After the other children escaped, he remained in the upstairs room, where he returned to attack two of the youngest victims, stabbing them multiple times. His actions demonstrated a determined intention to cause maximum suffering.”

Mr Justice Goose condemned Rudakubana’s actions as “the most extreme, shocking and exceptionally serious crime.” The judge noted that the carnage could have been even worse if not for the bravery of those who escaped and intervened.

Rudakubana’s case has left a community in mourning and sparked national outrage. As he begins his decades-long sentence, the Ministry of Justice has assured the public that he is being closely monitored and that claims of an attack on him in prison are baseless.

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Crime

Man charged with sexual penetration of seven-week-old baby in court

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CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS, 33, of Burton, and co-defendant Bryony O’Rourke, 24, of Llangwm appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Jan 24).

Phillips faces charges including sexual penetration of a seven-week-old baby, assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and abandonment, resulting in serious physical harm. He is also charged with actual bodily harm and four counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, alleged to have occurred between December 27, 2020, and January 12, 2021.

O’Rourke is accused of allowing the child to suffer serious physical harm between December 19, 2020, and January 25, 2021, due to Phillips’ actions. She also faces charges of assault, ill-treatment, neglect, or abandonment leading to unnecessary suffering or injury.

The case was adjourned.

The pair are now set to appear in Swansea Crown Court for a plea and direction hearing on October 25, 2025. The trial is scheduled to commence on November 17, 2025.

Both defendants are on conditional bail. Phillips must reside at his address in Burton, avoid unsupervised contact with minors, and have no contact with O’Rourke or prosecution witnesses. O’Rourke is subject to similar conditions, residing at her Llangwm address and avoiding unsupervised contact with children under 18.

Further updates will follow as the case progresses.

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