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Crime

Psychiatric assessment ordered for mother accused of murdering son, 6

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KAROLINA ZURAWSKA, the 41-year-old mother accused of murdering her six-year-old son, Alexander Zurawski, appeared in Swansea Crown Court this morning (Sept 3).

Zurawska was arrested on Thursday (Aug 29), following an incident at her home on Cwm Du Close in Gendros, Swansea.

The alleged incident also involved the attempted murder of a 67-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed.

Alexander Zurawski, 6, died on Thursday

South Wales Police have confirmed that they are not seeking any other suspects in connection with this case.

During a brief initial hearing at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday, Ms Zurawska did not enter a plea. She only spoke to confirm her name, address, and date of birth.

Subsequently, she was remanded in custody and made her first appearance at Swansea Crown Court today.

She made no plea today, but confirmed her name and address for the court.

The scene of the incident

Zurawska’s defence team sought a psychiatric assessment, something which the judge agreed was a sensible idea.

A series of key dates for administrative court hearings leading up to a potential trial have been set:

  • Stage One: 25th October 2024
  • Stage Two: 22nd November 2024 (for any reports and defence statements)
  • Stage Three: 29th November 2024
  • Stage Four: 12th December 2024 (for further trial preparation)

Chief Superintendent Chris Truscott, divisional commander for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, described the event as “a distressing incident” that has sent “a tremendous shock” through the local community. In the wake of this tragedy, the family of young Alexander Zurawski paid tribute to him, describing him as a “very kind child” who was “always well-behaved” and “never naughty.” They also highlighted his intelligence, noting that he was “very clever and mature for his age,” with a “great understanding of facts,” and that he was fluent in both English and Polish

The court determined that if a trial is deemed necessary, it is scheduled to begin on February 17.

Crime

Fugitive on FBI’s Most Wanted List arrested in North Wales

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ONE of America’s most wanted fugitives has appeared in court after being apprehended in north Wales last week.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was arrested in Maenan, Conwy, following a joint operation involving North Wales Police and counter-terrorism officers. San Diego has been on the FBI’s most wanted list for over two decades, accused of orchestrating two bombings in San Francisco in 2003.

Court appearance

San Diego appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday. Wearing a grey tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 31.

The charges

The FBI alleges that San Diego planted two bombs at a biotechnology corporation campus in Emeryville, California, on August 28, 2003. The bombs detonated an hour apart, causing significant damage. A month later, on September 26, 2003, a bomb packed with nails exploded outside a nutritional products company in Pleasanton.

San Diego was indicted in July 2004 at the United States District Court for his alleged involvement in the attacks. He has been linked to an animal rights extremist group, according to the FBI, which previously offered a $250,000 (£198,000) reward for information leading to his capture.

Life on the run

Born in Berkeley, California, San Diego evaded authorities for 21 years before his arrest. The FBI said he had maintained connections with groups sympathetic to his cause and utilized sophisticated methods to remain undetected.

Why North Wales?

Questions remain as to why San Diego chose a quiet Welsh village as his hiding place. His arrest in Maenan has sparked speculation about the networks that may have supported him during his years as a fugitive.

The investigation into San Diego’s activities and potential associates in the UK is ongoing.

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Crime

Motorist almost three times over drink limit

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A MOTORIST who was nearly three times over the drink-drive limit has been sentenced following a crash on the B4314 in Pendine.

Stuart Rickford, 43, was driving his Audi at 1:30pm on November 15 when he collided with another vehicle.

“There were no injuries, but when officers spoke to the defendant they had a strong smell of intoxicants,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told the court.

A roadside breath test proved positive, and Rickford, of Beach Hotel, Marsh Road, Pendine, later gave a reading of 93 mcg of alcohol at the police station. The legal limit is 35.

Rickford pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order with 80 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 23 months and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

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Crime

Man jailed for threats at Withybush Hospital

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A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sentenced to seven days in custody after threatening to harm members of the public at Withybush Hospital.

Wayne Tydeman, 42, made threats while speaking to a community practice nurse following his release from a 24-week custodial sentence.

“He was on post-sentence supervision, and this is the first breach,” probation officer Julie Norman told the court.

Tydeman, of Dew Street, Haverfordwest, was remanded in custody and appeared via video link from Park Prison. His solicitor said his mental health had improved during his time in custody.

Judge Layton sentenced him to seven days in custody, warning: “If you fail to engage in the future, the sentence will be considerably longer.”

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