News

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

Published

3 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.

Health

NHS Wales users share mental health support stories

Published

58 minutes ago

May 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Two Welsh patients say free online programmes helped them manage anxiety and stress

TWO people who transformed their mental wellbeing with the help of NHS Wales’ online support services are encouraging others to seek help during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Kate, 39, from Cardiff, and George Ryley, 27, from Aberystwyth, both say free online self-help programmes helped them regain control during difficult periods in their lives.

The pair were supported through SilverCloud Wales, a suite of digital mental health programmes based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, managed by Powys Teaching Health Board.

The stories are being highlighted as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year focuses on the theme of “Action”.

Parental anxiety

Kate sought help after her young son began suffering febrile seizures, triggering severe anxiety that quickly escalated.

“My chest would tighten and I’d get this feeling like a wave of nausea,” she said. “I couldn’t eat, couldn’t focus.”

She described becoming consumed by fear, constantly checking on her son and worrying about possible seizure triggers.

“I was so distracted at work that I had to stay behind after hours, and at home I didn’t feel I was always present with my son in the right way,” she said.

After speaking with her GP, Kate was diagnosed with parental anxiety and referred to SilverCloud’s “Space from Anxiety” programme.

She said the flexibility of the online course made it easier to fit around family life.

“I could do it in the evening when my son had gone to sleep, or during breaks in the day. It worked around me,” she said.

Kate says she still regularly uses mindfulness, breathing exercises and writing techniques she learned through the programme.

“I haven’t had a single anxiety attack since I started it,” she added. “I’ve not looked back.”

Stress and illness

Meanwhile, Aberystwyth resident George Ryley turned to the service after work pressures and illness left him physically and mentally exhausted.

“I was used to being busy and active,” he said. “Then suddenly, even having a shower would sap all my energy for the day.”

George said a period of poor health linked to mould toxicity left him bed-bound for several weeks and badly affected his mental wellbeing.

After contacting his GP, he was referred for counselling and encouraged to try SilverCloud’s “Space from Stress” programme.

“I didn’t have the most positive mindset at first,” he said. “But as I worked through it, I was amazed at how effective it was.”

Each SilverCloud user is assigned a dedicated supporter who provides encouragement and advice throughout the course.

“Having such lovely feedback on my progress was really motivating,” George said.

“I’ve recommended SilverCloud to so many people who I know have been struggling with stress.”

Taking the first step

Fionnuala Clayton, project manager for NHS Wales’ Online CBT Service, said the stories showed how small actions could make a major difference.

“This Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that action doesn’t have to be dramatic or overwhelming – sometimes it’s simply about taking that first step to seek support,” she said.

“SilverCloud Wales gives people the tools to understand their thoughts, manage anxiety and stress, and build resilience in a way that fits around busy working and family lives.”

SilverCloud Wales is free to access through NHS Wales and can be used on phones, tablets or laptops.

The service is not intended as a crisis support platform or for those requiring high levels of intervention.

People can sign up at nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup.

Community

Fishguard RNLI volunteers respond after yacht runs aground

Published

1 hour ago

May 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SOLO SAILOR HELPED TO SAFETY BY COASTGUARD CREWS

FISHGUARD RNLI volunteers were paged on Saturday evening (May 9) after a 26ft yacht broke free from its mooring and ran aground near Fishguard Lower Town quay.

The charity’s D-class inshore lifeboat, Edward Arthur Richardson, was launched at 7:56pm following a request from HM Coastguard.

Information received was that the yacht, with one person on board, had grounded on the seaward side of the quay.

When the lifeboat arrived, the helm assessed the situation and sea conditions. Swells were lifting the yacht before dropping it back onto rocks below the surface.

Because of the yacht’s position and the weather conditions, it was decided that the safest way to assist the sailor was from the shore. Fishguard Coastguard officers, who were already on the quay side, helped the casualty from the vessel and back up the steps on the quay wall.

The lifeboat remained on standby while coastguard crews assessed the situation. During that time, the helm kept the inshore lifeboat facing into the conditions to ensure the safety of those on board.

Once it was confirmed that the sailor, members of the public and coastguard officers were safely away from the water, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

‘Not viable to tow’

Fishguard RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Cedwyn Rogers said: “Fishguard’s volunteer crew responded to a request from HM Coastguard to attend a yacht with one person on board that was being pushed onto rocks by the weather.

“Once on scene, the helm made an assessment and it was determined that, given the proximity to the quay and accessibility of the casualty vessel from shore, the most appropriate way in which to preserve life was for the casualty to be assisted from the yacht by coastguards.

“With the vessel already aground and the nature of the surf due to the northerly winds, it was not viable to attempt a tow without presenting further unnecessary risks to the lifeboat crew and casualty.

“Once a vessel has grounded, the structural integrity and stability of a vessel is unknown, and to tow it off could compromise that further. In these situations, other means of assisting a casualty will be utilised.

“With the casualty sailor safe with HM Coastguard and no further persons near the water’s edge, the lifeboat returned to station.”

The RNLI added that anyone who is in trouble at sea, or who believes someone else may be in difficulty, should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Pic: RNLI/Rhodri Pugh-Dungey.

Business

Caws Cenarth celebrates growing success with Tesco partnership

Published

1 hour ago

May 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WEST WALES cheesemaker Caws Cenarth is celebrating a successful first few months in Tesco stores after its artisan cheeses were launched into the retailer’s Grab and Go range.

The award-winning family business, based in Carmarthenshire, says strong customer demand has followed the launch in selected large Tesco stores across Wales.

The range includes Thelma’s Original Caerffili PGI, Perl Wen, Cenarth Brie and Perl Las, which have proved popular with shoppers looking for high-quality Welsh produce in a convenient format.

Business growth

The success has marked a significant step forward for Caws Cenarth, which has expanded its team and appointed Paul Garnish as Commercial Director to support continued growth.

He will work on strengthening retail partnerships, identifying new opportunities and building on the momentum created by the Tesco launch.

Founded in West Wales, Caws Cenarth has built a reputation for producing artisan cheeses using locally sourced milk and traditional cheesemaking techniques.

The company says the Tesco partnership reflects growing appetite among customers for premium Welsh produce that combines quality, convenience and strong local provenance.

Tesco praise

Tesco Wales buyer Nathan Edwards said: “We’re delighted to see Caws Cenarth go from strength to strength with their artisan cheeses in our Grab and Go range.

“Customers are increasingly looking for high-quality, locally sourced options, and this success is a fantastic example of how Welsh suppliers like Caws Cenarth are meeting these needs.

“Caws Cenarth’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality really stands out, and we’re proud to support their continued growth.”

‘Just the beginning’

Caws Cenarth Managing Director Carwyn Adams said: “We’re absolutely delighted with how our cheeses have been received by Tesco customers.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see more people enjoying what we do, especially as a family business rooted in West Wales.

“We’ve always believed in making cheese the right way – with care, quality ingredients and respect for tradition – and it’s exciting to be able to share that with a wider audience.

“This is just the beginning, and we’re looking forward to building on this momentum.”

The partnership forms part of Tesco’s wider commitment to supporting local suppliers and bringing regional produce to customers across the UK.