News

Barry John – Welsh rugby legend passes away at 79

Published

2 years ago

February 4, 2024

Fly-half “died peacefully surrounded by loving wife and children”
“The King” secured three Five Nations victories and triumphed over the All Blacks in 1971

WELSH rugby icon Barry John has passed away at the age of 79. The esteemed former Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half died peacefully in hospital, as announced by his family.

John, affectionately dubbed “The King” by New Zealand journalists following his pivotal role in the Lions’ celebrated 1971 Test series win over the All Blacks, earned 25 caps for Wales from 1966 to 1972. During his illustrious international career, he clinched three Five Nations championships, a Grand Slam, and two Triple Crowns.

A statement from John’s family conveyed: “Barry John passed away peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales, surrounded by his loving wife and four children. He was a devoted father to his 11 grandchildren and a beloved brother.”

Born in the village of Cefneithin to parents William and Vimy John, he was one of six siblings. His three brothers – Delville, Alan, and Clive – also pursued rugby.

John kick-started his career at Llanelli, making his first-team debut against Moseley two days prior to his 19th birthday in 1964. He was capped by Wales two years later, and in 1967, he transferred to Cardiff, where he quickly established a formidable partnership with Sir Gareth Edwards.

John participated in Lions tours in 1968 and 1971, with the latter expedition marking the only instance New Zealand has succumbed to a Test series defeat by the Lions.

Across four Tests, John contributed 30 of the Lions’ 48 points, captivating audiences with his mesmerising skill on the flickering black and white television screens, reminiscent of Manchester United’s George Best’s otherworldly performances.

His remarkable talent garnered widespread adoration – he finished third in the 1971 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, following Princess Anne and George Best – and featured on the BBC’s ‘Superstars’ programme alongside celebrated names like Bobby Moore, Jackie Stewart, Joe Bugner, and Tony Jacklin.

After earning 25 caps for Wales and playing five Tests for the Lions, John retired at the zenith of his career at 27, leaving a lasting legacy.

Throughout his tenure with Wales, John was partnered by Edwards in 23 international matches, in addition to all five Lions Tests – one against South Africa and four against New Zealand. JPR Williams, another luminary from Welsh rugby’s golden era, passed away four weeks prior.

Jonathan Davies, a distinguished Welsh player from the 1980s and 1990s, paid homage to John, writing on X: “RIP Barry – another one of my heroes sadly gone.”

Residing in Cardiff, John is mourned by his wife Janet and their children Kathryn, Lucy, Anna, and David.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

3 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.