News
Cardiff-born Southport stabbing suspect identified as Axel Rudakubana by court
IN a significant court ruling, Judge Andrew Menary KC has permitted the identification of the suspect in the recent stabbing attack as Axel Rudakubana.
Judge Menary’s decision followed a 20-minute hearing of legal arguments, ultimately declining to issue an order to conceal Rudakubana’s identity.
Axel Rudakubana, who will turn 18 in six days, has been remanded in youth custody.
He has been charged with the murders of Bebe King six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine; 10 counts of attempted murder; and possession of a bladed article, namely a “kitchen knife with a curved blade” following the attack on Monday.
This is unusual because, strictly speaking, under the law, anybody who is younger than 18 has the protection of the law and can’t be named.
From the moment we knew that a 17-year-old had been arrested as the suspect – even though eventually, we worked out his identity The Pembrokeshire Herald, and other media, were still prevented from naming him.
This decision by Judge Menary marks a departure from the typical legal protections afforded to minors, underscoring the judge’s confidence in the legal justifications for this disclosure.
The fact he is days away from his 18th birthday, the serious nature of the alleged crimes, and the unrest caused by the misinformation online over a Muslim-sounding name, would no doubt have been factors in consideration.
The Metropolitan Police says it arrested 111 people after “unacceptable scenes of disorder and violence”, in updated figures provided on Thursday.
The force said its officers were attacked and subjected to assault during demonstrations in Whitehall.
People were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, assaults on emergency workers, possession of knives and offensive weapons, breach of protest conditions, and breach of a dispersal order, the Met said.
Assistant commissioner Matt Twist said: “It is shameful that some have sought to exploit this tragedy as justification for their own violence and criminality.”
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.
The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.
This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.
For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.
Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.
Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.
Charity
£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.
They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.
The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.
Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.
Community
Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success
NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.
Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.
The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.
A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.
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