News

Mother and her ‘monster’ partner jailed over two-year-old murder

Published

2 years ago

April 25, 2023

THE PAIR found guilty of causing the death of two-year-old Lola James have today (Apr 25) been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.

Kyle Bevan, 31, was found guilty of murdering Lola by inflicting catastrophic head injuries during a ‘frenzied, brutal and violent attack’ during an incident at the tots home in Princess Royal Way, Haverfordwest on July 17, 2020.

Sinead James, 30, Lola’s mother, was asleep upstairs when the attack happened.

James was found guilty of allowing or causing the death of a child by failing to protect Lola from her ‘volatile and unpredictable’ partner.

The pair were found unanimously guilty by a jury of their peers on April 4, following a four week trial.

At today’s sentencing hearing, Caroline Rees KC for the Crown Prosecution Service told the court that according to sentencing guidelines, Bevan should be sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 15 years, however asked the court to take into account the major aggravating features which would suggest a very significant increase in the minimum term.

She said: “As a starting point alone on count 1, murder, is that of 15 years.

“Whilst we make that submission, by no means is that the end point in this case.

” The serious features of this offence, would merit a very significant uplift”

Ms Rees KC went on to tell the court that they must consider the fact that Lola was a very young child at the time of the incident, just two years and 10 months, was extremely vulnerable and the totality of injuries inflicted on her tiny body.

Lola had multiple extensive internal head injuries and no less than 101 surface injuries on her body. During evidence in the trial, one peadiatrician described Lola as “one of the most battered and bruised bodies” she had ever seen.

Mr Hipkin KC, Bevan’s defence barrister offered no mitigation on behalf of his defendant and publicly agreed with the submission with the prosecution with regards to minimum term and accepted all three aggravating factors.

In terms of the sentencing for Lola’s mother, Sinead James, the prosecution asked the court to start at a minimum starting point of nine years imprisonment.

Ms Rees KC said it was the Crown’s submission that Domestic violence and the loss of her child should not be accepted by the court as a mitigating factor on whether to used as a reduction to any minimum term imposed by the court.

The prosecution argue that they put a case forward that would merit James’ care element at the highest sentencing category and the culpability element at the second highest.

This is refuted by Mr Elias KC, representing James. He told the court how although at first James had not considered the relationship one that would typically be described as a domestic violence relationship, James at least in the week leading up to Lola’s death had started to recognise the signs.

He described his client as being intimidated by Bevan, and was fearful over what he would do to her should she have called the police.

Judge His Honour Justice Griffiths, reminded counsel that during evidence given in the court, James had been seen being assertive with Bevan and did not seem to be in fear.

Judge His Honour Justice Griffiths said: “Lola was described by her grandmother as a character who loved life

“Her father said she was always smiling and a ray of sunshine and a laugh that could fill a room with pure joy.

“You Kyle Bevan murdered her when she was only 2 years old and you Sinead James allowed her death. You have shattered a family and the life of her sisters.”

His Honor continued: “He started to hurt Lola at midnight and carried on until Lola was unconscious at 6.30am.

“This was a sustained, deliberate and very violent attack. The attack was completely unprovoked.

“For some of the injuries Kyle Bevan used weapons.

“It would of caused emotional and physical pain before her coma.

“I am sure Kyle Bevan did this as an exercise of power, of some superior power on the only person he could, that of an innocent child.

“He has no remorse at all, even now.”

When speaking on the sentence for Sinead James, His Honor Judge Justice Griffiths said: “She prioritised her relationship with Kyle bevan over the safety of her children, this was evident when she went back to bed when Kyle Bevan first attacked Lola at midnight.

“Chronology shows Sinead James was made aware of multiple injuries to her children leaving visible marks.

“She knew he had taken hammer to light switch, he was subject to mood swings, he was known to take recreational drugs that had an affect on him.

She always brought the children back and kept leaving them in his sole care.

“When they were injured she did not take them to doctor of hospital or disclose to police when Kyle Bevan was violent.

“She failed to take any effective steps to protect Lola.

“Even though she had proved she could do so.”

Bevan was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 28 years. However Judge His Honor Justice Griffiths warned he may never be released.

James was sentenced to six years in prison, she will serve half in prison with the remaining sentence on licence.

News

Joyce Watson MS announces decision not to seek reselection

Published

10 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

JOYCE WATSON MS, Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, has announced her decision not to stand in the next Senedd Election.

In a statement issued on Friday (Jan 24), Ms Watson said: “I have taken the very difficult decision to not stand as a candidate at next year’s Senedd Election.

“Serving the Labour Party has been the privilege of my life. To do so representing Mid and West Wales has been an incredible honour. I must thank all the people I have met and worked with on issues and campaigns across the years, and thank Labour members and colleagues for their trust and support.”

Reflecting on her personal journey, Ms Watson shared her roots in Tywyn, Manorbier, Cosheston, and Cardigan, where she grew up as one of eight children. After raising her family across the region, she settled in Pembrokeshire.
“I never dreamed that one day I would be elected to serve the people and places I know and love so well,” she said.

Throughout her tenure, Ms Watson focused on making a tangible impact. She highlighted her work addressing human trafficking, advocating for the construction industry, and representing the Senedd on international platforms, including Europe and the Commonwealth. She also established the White Ribbon campaign against domestic violence in Wales.

“Since I was first elected, our young democracy has grown in strength and confidence. The next election, under new rules and boundaries, will be transformative,” she said.

Ms Watson explained her decision to step aside, saying:
“It feels like the right time for me to step aside for new candidates, and to devote more time to my wonderful family.”

Looking ahead, she acknowledged the challenges of recent years but reaffirmed her commitment to Labour values:
“The past two decades have brought huge upheavals, at home and abroad, that present us with huge challenges. I remain convinced that the solutions to these problems are more co-operation and social justice, not less. I believe that Labour values are the best path to a fairer future.

“So, although I will be stepping down from the Senedd in May 2026, I will never stop fighting for these ideals.”

Ms Watson’s departure marks the end of a notable career of public service, with her contributions leaving a lasting impact on her constituents and beyond.

News

Storm Herminia lashes the county of Pembrokeshire

Published

11 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

STORM HERMINIA has swept across Pembrokeshire unleashing high winds and heavy rainfall, prompting weather warnings across the region.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for strong winds affecting all three counties over the next three days, extending until Tuesday. The warnings come shortly after Storm Eowyn, which caused widespread disruption with power outages, property damage, fallen trees, and road closures.

Storm Herminia named by Spain

Unlike its predecessor, Storm Herminia was not named by the UK Met Office but by the Spanish meteorological service, underscoring its broader European impact.

The storm hit early this morning, with gusts reaching between 50 and 60 mph, peaking at 70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. These winds are forecast to persist until 5:00pm today. The Met Office has upgraded the impact level from low to medium, although the likelihood of severe consequences remains low.

Heavy rainfall to intensify risks

Alongside the strong winds, heavy rainfall is expected to exacerbate the situation. Torrential downpours are forecast from midday Sunday through to 11:59pm on Monday. Additional bursts of intense rain may occur overnight, with totals of 20–40 mm likely across most areas and up to 70 mm over higher ground. Localized flooding of homes and properties is anticipated.

There is also a small risk that some areas could see even higher accumulations of rainfall, depending on the extent of overnight downpours.

Prolonged disruption expected

Another bout of strong winds is predicted from 6:00am Monday through to 6:00am Tuesday, with gusts of up to 70 mph near coastal regions and 50 mph inland. The Met Office warns of potential disruption to transport networks, power supplies, and other essential services.

Residents are advised to secure loose items, monitor local updates, and take precautions as adverse weather conditions continue to impact the region.

Entertainment

Sir Bryn Terfel launches search for future singing stars

Published

11 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

OPERA star Sir Bryn Terfel is calling on the world’s most talented young singers to compete for a title that could propel them to international stardom.

The renowned bass-baritone described the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as “a wonderful opportunity” for budding performers to launch their careers on the global stage.

Sir Bryn, from Pantglas, near Penygroes, Gwynedd, will headline the Eisteddfod’s closing concert on Sunday, July 13, at the International Pavilion. He plans to perform songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, alongside acclaimed folk group Fisherman’s Friends and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman.

The concert will also feature the final of this year’s Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which has been a highlight of the festival since its launch in 2013. Last year, Singaporean soprano Shimona Rose claimed the title in a thrilling finale against Welsh soprano Manon Ogwen Parry.

Prestigious prize

Sponsored by Pendine Park through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), the competition awards the winner the Pendine Trophy and a £3,000 cheque. The runner-up will receive £1,000.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, February 20. Entrants, aged 19 or over, must submit an audio recording and proof of age with their application. They will perform a seven-minute programme in the preliminary rounds and a ten-minute programme in the final, featuring works from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, sung in their original language.

Sir Bryn said: “The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a fantastic opportunity for talented young singers. It provides a real launchpad for careers onto the global stage.”

A global stage

Llangollen Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dave Danford, said this year’s competition final, held during the closing concert, would give contestants the chance to perform on the same stage as Sir Bryn.

“The competition provides a valuable stepping stone for young singers pursuing professional careers,” he said. “So far, we’ve received entries from China, Nigeria, England, and Wales. The selection panel will choose the competitors after the February 20 deadline.”

The competition was conceived by Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, who praised the extraordinary talent it continues to attract.

Mr Kreft said: “The standard is phenomenal. This year’s contestants also have the thrill of sharing a stage with Sir Bryn, one of the opera world’s true giants.”

Exciting concert lineup

The Eisteddfod’s evening concerts promise something for everyone. Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey opens the season on Tuesday, July 8, with hits from The Who and his solo career, including a Q&A session with fans.

On Wednesday, July 9, a special concert, Uniting Nations: One World, will mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event will feature Karl Jenkins’ One World performed by an international massed choir, including the Stay At Home Choir.

Thursday, July 10, sees BRIT Award-winning artist KT Tunstall perform her iconic album Eye to the Telescope with a live orchestra, marking its 20th anniversary. On Friday, July 11, Il Divo makes its Llangollen debut, delighting fans with their classical crossover repertoire.

For details on the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition and tickets, visit international-eisteddfod.co.uk.

Caption:
Sir Bryn Terfel performing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. (Pic: Supplied)