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Lola murder trial: “WTF has he been doing to my baby”

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THIS was the question Sinead James, 30, asked officers when shown images of Lola’s injuries during an interview.

Transcripts from James’ police interviews were read out to Swansea Crown Court this afternoon, Thursday, March 23.

In the interviews, James had been probed by officers about her relationship with Kyle Bevan, 31, who is accused of murdering James’ two-year-old daughter Lola by inflicting catastrophic head injuries on July 17, 2020.

James confirmed that it was a relatively new relationship which started in February 2020.

The relationship progressed quickly and Bevan ended up moving into James’ home with her three children when the country went into lockdown in March of that year.

In early interviews, which were dated July 18, 2020, James claims Bevan was amazing with her children, always buying them things and would often sit colouring and playing with them.

She said: “he’s amazing with the kids, sits and paints with them, will do anything they ask him to do. 

“I don’t think for one second he would hurt any of my children.”

She describes the couple as having a good relationship with hardly any arguments.

But in later interviews she admitted that things were not as rosy as the picture she first painted.

James described a few instances where Bevan had got angry; especially when he had drunk alcohol and taken a street version of the drug xanax.

She described a few instances where Bevan had headbutted door frames, smashed light switches with a hammer and punched the sofa. Although James insisted this was at a time when the children would be at their grandmother’s house.

When probed as to why she didn’t ask him to leave, James replied: “When he loses his temper it’s horrible, I don’t like it, I don’t like it when he’s taking alcohol and xanax he kicks off. 

“Kids not there then, if they are i would remove them.”

James was shown a video of Lola that was recovered from Bevan’s phone, where she was laying limp, with obvious swelling and bruising to her forehead and lips and Bevan had picked her up and tried to get her to stand, but Lola hit the floor with a thud.

James gasped followed by “He’s not even holding her properly, I can’t watch it.

“I feel like I want to punch him in the face, he’s not even holding my baby properly he’s probably caused more damage to her.

“Why would he do that to a baby, she’s two-years-old, why would he do that. Never seen him handle children like that. That’s sickening.

“If he can do that what has actually happened to my baby.”

James was shown further footage of Lola’s injuries, including photos of her bruising on her body.

She replied: “What the f**k has he been doing to my baby.”

“Look at the marks on her, no way are they all caused from falling down the stairs.

“Please, you’ve got to charge him for what he’s done to her.”

James is charged with allowing or causing the death of a child by not protecting Lola from Bevan.

The trial continues tomorrow.

Business

People in Wales are worried about running out of money in retirement

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FEAR of running out of money in retirement is rising among those in Wales with more than half (55%) concerned their savings will not last them through retirement, new research from Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) shows (please see the attached press release).

In general, women are more worried about running out of money compared to men. More than half (54%) of women surveyed are concerned about how long their money will last in retirement, compared to only 44% of men. Around 46% of men who are not worried about running out of money in retirement say it is because they have a final salary pension scheme – compared to just 38% of women who have this.

The study by Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), part of Rathbones Group, among people with stock market investments including pensions, paints a bleak picture – around 55% of those living in Wales are concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This is similar to the UK average of 56%.

Women are more worried than men that they do not have enough money for retirement. Almost two thirds (61%) of women surveyed are concerned, with 18% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This compares to just over half (53%) of men surveyed, with 14% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement.

The Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) study shows that those living in Wales who have yet to retire are realistic about what will happen to their incomes in retirement – 64% expect their monthly incomes to drop on retirement and 36% did not know.

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News

Road closure following serious road traffic collision near Pembroke

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A ROAD traffic collision involving two vehicle led to the closure of the A4075 between Golden Hill and the Fingerpost Junction near Pembroke, causing significant disruption throughout Monday (MAr 18).

Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 11:30 AM after reports the incident.

The road was closed to allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As the day progressed, it became clear that the closure would be extended, with the road likely to remain shut for an extended period.

The accident, described as ‘serious’ by authorities, prompted an immediate response from Dyfed-Powys Police and emergency medical teams.

Early reports suggest that at least one individual has been injured, although the extent of the injuries remains unclear.

Throughout the day, updates from the scene indicated a significant effort by investigative teams to understand the cause of the crash.

By late evening, after more than nine hours of closure, there was a slight reduction in the length of the road affected, AA Traffic said.

The A4075 is a crucial link between Pembroke and the surrounding areas, and its closure has had a noticeable impact on local traffic and commuters.

Emergency services and local authorities have expressed their gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time.

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Tragic loss of pony spurs campaign for safer roads in west Wales

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A WEST WALES woman has embarked on a mission to ensure such a tragedy never recurs. Laura Grant, 58, faced an unthinkable ordeal last spring when her Welsh Mountain Section A pony, Katie, was fatally injured on a Carmarthenshire road, leading to a wider call for road safety reforms.

The incident unfolded as Grant, accompanied by a 15-year-old family friend, was enjoying a serene carriage drive with Katie and Billy, a Welsh cob. The tranquillity of their outing was shattered when an impatient van driver’s actions spooked Katie, causing her to bolt into a cattle grid despite her 700 miles of road experience. The tragedy of the situation is compounded by the fact that Katie, a rescue pony lovingly nurtured by Grant for four years, could not be saved.

Grant, devastated by the loss, reflected on the moment, wishing the outcome could have been different. “How I wish I managed to stop her or pulled her into the wall, but it happened so quickly,” she lamented. The incident has not only left a void in her heart but has also paused her passion for carriage driving.

In the wake of this loss, Grant is channeling her grief into advocacy, organising a “Pass Wide and Slow” ride in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, to honour Katie’s memory and promote awareness about safe driving near horses. The event, scheduled for September 14, underscores the urgent need for change.

Furthering her campaign, Grant has initiated a petition for “Katie’s Law” on change.org. This proposed legislation calls for the Highway Code’s advice — to pass horses at no more than 10 mph and maintain a two-metre distance — to be legally binding. The necessity of such measures is underscored by British Horse Society data, revealing 100 traffic-related equine incidents in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion in 2023 alone.

Grant’s advocacy extends to urging the Carmarthenshire County Council for greater consideration of equestrian needs, advocating for the restoration and shared use of old riding routes now converted into cycle paths. “Give us back all our old riding routes… We need equestrian access plans for Carmarthenshire, Wales, or better still, the whole UK,” she implores, aiming to prevent further tragedies.

Katie’s legacy, marked by a gold rosette from the British Driving Society for her carriage-driving achievements, continues to inspire a movement towards safer, more inclusive roads.

As the community mourns a “pocket rocket” who brought joy to many, the call for action echoes loud, driven by a hope that Katie’s loss will pave the way for meaningful change.

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