ONE of America’s most wanted fugitives has been arrested in Wales, 21 years after a double bombing in San Francisco.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was detained on Monday following a joint operation involving counter-terrorism officers, North Wales Police, and Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

San Diego, described by the FBI as an “animal rights extremist,” was apprehended at a remote property near woodland in rural north Wales. He now faces extradition to the United States to face charges related to two bombings in California in 2003.

Fugitive for over two decades

FBI Director Christopher Wray said:”Daniel San Diego’s arrest after more than 20 years as a fugitive for two bombings in the San Francisco area shows that no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable.”

He added: “There’s a right way and a wrong way to express your views in our country, and turning to violence and destruction of property is not the right way.”

The NCA confirmed San Diego was arrested at the request of US authorities. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday, where extradition proceedings began.

An NCA spokesperson said: “He was remanded in custody.”

First domestic terrorist on FBI’s most wanted list

San Diego, born in Berkeley, California, was the first alleged domestic terrorist added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list. The agency previously offered a $250,000 (£199,000) reward for information leading to his arrest.

He was wanted for allegedly bombing two office buildings in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The first bombing occurred on 28 August 2003, outside the Chiron Life Science Center in Emeryville, California. Authorities later discovered a second bomb at the scene, which detonated before it could be defused, raising concerns that it was planted to target first responders.

Less than a month later, in September 2003, a nail bomb exploded outside a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton, California.

Long-standing charges

In July 2004, San Diego was indicted by the United States District Court in the Northern District of California for his alleged involvement in the bombings.

The case remained unsolved until this week’s arrest, ending two decades of pursuit by the FBI and law enforcement agencies across the globe.

PARENTS are being urged to reconsider purchasing e-scooters as Christmas gifts due to legal restrictions and potential risks. While the devices might appear to be a fun and exciting present, Dyfed-Powys Police caution that they could lead to significant legal and financial consequences.

In the UK, privately owned e-scooters are only legal to use on private land with the landowner’s permission. Riding them on public roads, pavements, parks, or cycle paths is prohibited and considered an offence. Parents should be aware that they could face prosecution if their child uses an e-scooter illegally.

E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), meaning riders can be charged with several offences. These may result in fines of up to £300, six penalty points on a driving licence, and confiscation of the e-scooter. Drivers who passed their test within the last two years risk disqualification and may need to retake their theory and practical tests.

“Understand the rules and risks”

Sergeant Dave Mallin of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We understand that e-scooters may seem like a fun and exciting gift idea, but it’s important to understand the rules and risks that come with them. Privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements, or cycle paths. Their speed and silence can pose a significant danger to other road users and pedestrian safety, especially vulnerable pedestrians.

“Many people are unaware of the restrictions on e-scooters, and while retailers may be happy to sell one to you, it could be seized the moment you attempt to use it in a public place.”

Riders must also be over 16 and hold a full or provisional licence for a car, motorbike, or moped. While some parts of the UK operate rental e-scooter trials under strict conditions, these schemes are not available in the Dyfed-Powys area.

“Zero tolerance this Christmas”

Sgt Mallin added: “Dyfed-Powys Police operates a zero-tolerance approach to e-scooters, and we would urge parents to think twice about buying e-scooters as presents this Christmas. Consider a safer and more appropriate gift.”

For more information about e-scooter regulations and safe usage, visit Dyfed-Powys Police’s advice page.

A MAN accused of murdering a retired riding instructor in Swansea has told a jury he believes he will die behind bars.

Wendy Buckney, 71, was discovered battered and stabbed at her home in Clydach in August 2022. The court heard she had been attacked with a table leg and shelving before being repeatedly stabbed. Her injuries were so severe that a pathologist could not determine the exact number of stab wounds.

The defendant, Brian Whitelock, 57, admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denied murder. Representing himself at Swansea Crown Court, Mr. Whitelock said he had no memory of the events, citing brain injuries and hearing voices.

Victim found covered in furniture

CCTV and audio recordings were shown in court, capturing Mr. Whitelock outside Ms. Buckney’s flat, covered in blood, telling a neighbour he had killed her. Inside, Ms. Buckney’s naked body was discovered concealed under furniture.

The prosecution, led by Chris Rees KC, said Mr. Whitelock used “extreme violence,” drawing parallels to a 2000 case in which he killed two men, including his brother.

Past convictions resurface

In 2001, Mr. Whitelock was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Nicky Morgan and the manslaughter of his brother, Glenn Whitelock, who was asleep upstairs during the incident.

When questioned about the previous killings, Mr. Whitelock walked out of the witness box, declaring: “I’m not answering any more questions. You can go on the medical evidence. I can’t defend myself.”

He described his attack on Ms. Buckney as “out of character,” blaming head injuries from two falls shortly before her death. He claimed the injuries caused memory loss, confusion, and erratic behaviour.

‘She was one of the kindest people I knew’

Mr. Whitelock described Ms. Buckney as a kind and generous person who had helped him often. “She was really lovely, one of the most genuine people I know,” he said. “She helped me a lot. It’s difficult to talk about. She would do anything to help me.”

The court also heard that Mr. Whitelock had been prescribed strong sleeping tablets and had gone days without food or sleep in the lead-up to the attack.

Accused denies lying

Prosecutor Chris Rees accused Mr. Whitelock of lying to avoid another life sentence, asserting that he had also lied during his 2001 trial. Mr. Whitelock denied the allegations, saying: “I served my time, this has no relevance in this case whatsoever. You’re just trying to tie me in knots.”

An officer who arrested Mr. Whitelock overheard him saying, “I’m not doing another life sentence for murder,” during questioning at Swansea Central Police Station.

The case continues.