WALES’ leading doctor Sir Dr Frank Atherton has announced he will stand down after eight and half years as the Welsh Government’s Chief Medical Officer.

Sir Frank has provided independent advice to the Welsh Government on all major issues affecting the health sector in Wales.

During his tenure in Wales, after a previous post in Canada, Sir Frank played a leading role in Wales’ response to the Covid pandemic and has supported the NHS through flu outbreaks and annual winter pressures.

Speaking about Sir Frank’s decision to stand down, Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “Sir Frank has provided invaluable advice and guidance, which I am hugely grateful for.

“He played a leading role in our response to the pandemic, ensuring people throughout Wales received valuable information about the virus and about how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. I wish him all the best for the future.”

Judith Paget, chief executive of NHS Wales, said: “Frank has shown how passionate he is about improving health outcomes for the Welsh population and has led the way on improving the quality of healthcare.

“It has been a privilege to work with him and to have the benefit of his experience and commitment to new approaches.

“He has played a crucial role in being the Welsh voice around the table with other UK Chief Medical Officers, government departments and organisations”

Sir Frank has been responsible for leading the medical profession in Wales and the development of health and care research.

Speaking ahead of leaving his post, Sir Frank said: “It has been a privilege to act as CMO and a highlight of my professional career to have served the people of Wales during this incredibly challenging time.

“I would like to thank all those other civil servants, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, who have assisted me for almost a decade in this role.”

Frank Atherton’s successor will be announced in due course.

THE TRIAL of Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock, accused of murdering Andrew Main outside a west Wales hotel, continued at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Jan 10), with witnesses providing chilling details of the events that led to Main’s death in July 2024.

Initial confrontation in hotel bar

David Hillier, a night worker at the Travelodge in Swansea, recounted his experiences from the night of July 16, 2024. Beginning his shift at 11:00pm, Hillier said Andrew Main and his friend Michael Bell were drinking but were not intoxicated. They were joined in the hotel bar by Hannah Tedstone, a guest at the Travelodge.

According to Hillier, Joseph Dix later entered the bar, aggressively confronting Main. Dix reportedly shouted, “What the [expletive] are you doing talking to my mate’s girlfriend?” The situation escalated, and Main and Bell left the bar, followed by Dix and Ruddock. Hillier said he locked the hotel doors to protect other guests and immediately called the police and an ambulance.

Witness awoken by screams

Sundeep Singh, a local resident, was awakened by the commotion. Giving evidence, Singh said: “A scream woke me up, and I went to the living room. I saw two people chasing one man near a lamppost. The man fell down and tried to protect himself while the other two punched him repeatedly in the face and shoulders. I called 999 immediately.”

Singh described seeing emergency vehicle lights reflected in his apartment windows as he returned to bed.

Crucial video evidence presented

Daniel Lamb, another Travelodge guest, captured part of the assault on video. Lamb testified that he awoke around 2:00am to the sounds of a confrontation outside. From his window, he recorded footage showing Dix and Ruddock pursuing Main and Bell, despite their apparent attempts to retreat.

Lamb said: “The victim, Main, got punched to the floor. He didn’t move or protect himself as the two men punched him repeatedly with force. They laughed, saying, ‘Did you see that punch?’ and called Main a ‘stupid dickhead.’” Lamb’s footage revealed Dix crouching over an unconscious Main, trying to wake him and then shouting at Bell, “You [expletive] started this. Your mate’s on the floor.”

Charges and ongoing trial

The prosecution alleges that Dix and Ruddock, both from Somerset, fatally attacked Andrew Main, a 33-year-old father of two from Falkirk, near the Travelodge on Princess Way, Swansea. Main succumbed to his injuries on August 14, 2024, nearly a month after the attack, leading to the charges being upgraded from wounding with intent to murder.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. The trial, which began in January 2025, is ongoing as more witnesses and evidence are presented.

This high-profile case has drawn significant attention, with the court hearing grim details of a night that ended in tragedy.

GRAHAM BOYLE, a convicted paedophile from Pembrokeshire, has died in prison while serving an 11-year sentence for sexually abusing three young girls.

Boyle, 84, passed away from metastatic cancer at Bridgend’s Parc Prison in November 2022, according to a newly released report by the prisons ombudsman. Despite his widow’s allegations of “poor” healthcare during his incarceration, the report concluded there were no failings in the care he received.

Jailed for crimes against children

Originally from Bridgwater, Boyle was living in Pembroke Dock when he was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court in September 2017. He admitted to five counts of sexually abusing girls aged between eight and 12.

The court heard that Boyle had manipulated his victims by warning them they would not be believed if they reported his crimes. One mother described the lasting impact on her daughter, saying: “She was so worried she wouldn’t be taken seriously. He told her that no one would believe her and everyone would hate her if she told anyone.

“My baby had her innocence stolen. She found her courage and the bravery to come forward because she was afraid other girls would be next. She came forward to protect others.”

Another victim’s mother shared her anguish: “The look of fear on my daughter’s face will stay with me forever. I need to see justice for the mental and physical abuse against my baby girl.”

No remorse shown

Judge David Evans condemned Boyle for showing no remorse and only pleading guilty at a late stage in the case. Addressing Boyle during sentencing, the judge said: “The dignity of what these girls and their families have been through stands in stark contrast to your own behaviour.

“If you had the decency to admit your guilt from the outset, you would have spared them the needless worry they would undoubtedly have suffered in the run-up to a trial. But that pales in significance in the face of the shameful abuse you inflicted upon each of those girls.”

Boyle, who appeared visibly distressed as the judge imposed the 11-year sentence, breathed heavily and clutched the rail of the dock.

Victims praised for bravery

DC James Sherwin of Avon and Somerset Police praised the victims for their courage, stating: “Their evidence led to Graham Boyle admitting his horrific crimes and receiving a lengthy custodial sentence today.

“We will always listen to, believe, and respect victims of rape and sexual assault, no matter how long ago offences were committed. Our message to victims is clear: if you don’t want to speak to the police, then please speak to someone.”

Death and compassionate release

Following Boyle’s death, his wife questioned why he had not been granted early release on compassionate grounds due to his illness.

Prisons ombudsman Adrian Usher explained in his report: “Staff at Parc gathered information relating to Mr Boyle’s prognosis, which was unclear until two to three days before he died, meaning he did not meet the criteria for early release. Obtaining a prognosis that might meet the criteria for early release is difficult, and it is often the case that such a prognosis is only available very close to death.”

An independent NHS-commissioned review of Boyle’s healthcare in prison found it to be “very good,” Mr Usher noted.

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