Crime

Woman charged with murder of six-year-old boy in Swansea

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2024

A WOMAN has been charged with the murder of a six-year-old boy, identified as Alexander Zurawski, in Swansea. The young boy, described by his family and teachers as “very kind,” tragically lost his life in an incident that has left the local community deeply shocked and devastated.

Alexander Zurawski was found dead at a residence on Cwm Du Close in the Gendros area of Swansea on Thursday, August 29. Emergency services were called to the scene, where the young boy was discovered.

Karolina Zurawska, 41, also of Gendros, has been charged with Alexander’s murder. In addition to this charge, she faces an attempted murder charge concerning a 67-year-old man, related to an incident that is alleged to have occurred earlier on the same day.

Ms. Zurawska is scheduled to appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Monday). According to the police, no other suspects are being sought in connection with the incident.

In a poignant tribute, Alexander’s family described him as a “very kind child” who loved playing with his little sister and their dog, Daisy. “Alexander was always well behaved and never naughty. He was very clever and mature for his age, with a great understanding of facts. He was always helpful, eager to assist with cooking and cleaning, and often corrected his parents’ English if they got words wrong. He was amazing,” the statement read.

Bethan Peterson, headteacher at Whitestone Primary School, where Alexander was a pupil, expressed the school’s deep sorrow at his passing. “We’re devastated to learn of the tragic death of Alexander. He was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook. He was extremely loved and popular among his peers, staff, and all who knew him. He will be sadly missed. Appropriate support will be made available to children, staff, and everyone within our school community who is affected. We ask that our school community’s privacy be respected during this difficult time,” Ms. Peterson stated.

Chief Superintendent Chris Truscott, divisional commander for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, acknowledged the profound impact of the incident on the local community. “This is a distressing incident which has been a tremendous shock to the local community. The local community has been outstanding in their support of our investigation, and we would like to thank all of them for their patience during what has been a traumatic few days. A police presence will be retained in the local area over the coming days to provide advice and reassurance. Our thoughts are with Alexander’s family and friends at this difficult time,” he said.

The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of a young life.

Crime

Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards faces sentencing over indecent images

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Huw Edwards, the disgraced former BBC newsreader, is set to appear in court on Monday (Sept 16), to learn his fate after admitting to possessing sexual images of children. This marks his first return to court since his admission earlier this year.

Edwards, 63 and from Carmarthenshire, was a prominent figure at the BBC, earning a salary of over £470,000. He was a regular presenter of News at Ten and the face of major national events, including the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022. His fall from grace began in April when he resigned from his BBC role, and three months later, he pleaded guilty to having indecent images of children on his phone, sent to him by another man via WhatsApp.

On July 31, Edwards appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he was surrounded by a crowd of journalists and photographers. During the hearing, he admitted to possessing 41 indecent images of children. Among these were seven category A images, the most serious type, showing abuse, including penetrative sexual activity. Disturbingly, two of these images depicted a child aged between seven and nine.

The scandal involving Edwards emerged in the summer of 2023 when he was identified as the well-known BBC presenter at the centre of allegations involving payments of over £35,000 to a teenager in return for images. However, the police clarified that the indecent images for which Edwards was charged were not connected to this teenager. The investigation into Edwards began after officers seized a phone during an unrelated probe, which revealed his participation in a WhatsApp conversation where he received the illegal images.

Edwards admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children. The court heard that he received these images from Alex Williams, who was convicted earlier this year of possessing prohibited images of children. The exchanges took place on WhatsApp between December 2020 and August 2021, during which Edwards received a total of 377 sexual images, including the 41 indecent images of children.

In a conversation on 2nd February 2021, Williams asked Edwards whether the images he was sending featured individuals who were too young. Edwards responded by instructing him not to send any underage images. Nonetheless, he continued to receive illegal content, including seven category A images, 12 category B, and 22 category C.

The BBC faced criticism for continuing to pay Edwards a large salary while the criminal investigation was ongoing. The corporation defended its actions, stating that Edwards had not been charged while he was still employed but off air. A BBC spokesperson said, “If at any point during the period Mr Edwards was employed by the BBC he had been charged, the BBC had determined it would act immediately to dismiss him. In the end, at the point of charge, he was no longer an employee of the BBC.”

Edwards is now awaiting sentencing as he returns to Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Crime

Shoplifter stole beer and assaulted woman, court hears

Published

1 day ago

September 14, 2024

Court Reporter

JOHN ASHBY, 37, of Laws Street in Pembroke Dock, has admitted to stealing crates of Stella Artois and assaulting a woman, Llanelli Magistrates’ Court heard.

Ashby faced four charges, including stealing five crates of Stella Artois worth £60 from Tesco Express in Tenby and two more boxes worth £25 from Iceland in Haverfordwest on August 19.

After being released on bail on August 19, he failed to surrender to bail on September 3. He was also charged with assault by beating, accused of attacking a woman in Pembroke Dock on September 4.

Ashby pleaded guilty to all charges on September 6. The case has been adjourned for a pre-sentence report, and he has been granted bail until his sentencing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on September 24.