News

Missing Swansea mum’s body found under pile of rubbish

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2024

THE BODY of a disabled mother-of-three was discovered in a garden rubbish pile after police searched a property where her wheelchair had been spotted, an inquest has heard.

Kelly Louise Randall, 45, was found dead 11 days after being reported missing by her partner on 5 May 2022. The inquest at Swansea Guildhall on Tuesday (Sept 17) was told that her death in Waunarlwydd, Swansea, was not deemed suspicious by police.

Ms Randall, who had one leg amputated and was known to use heroin, had no physical injuries according to the post-mortem examination. The cause of death was recorded as unascertained, with the coroner, Aled Gruffydd, recording an open conclusion.

Detective Constable Lisa Minto of South Wales Police told the inquest that officers were called to a property on Clas y Deri after reports of Ms Randall’s wheelchair being seen outside. Upon searching the premises, they found the wheelchair in a bedroom, along with blood stains on various items.

The gruesome discovery was made when an officer spotted what appeared to be a human arm in a mound of rubbish in the back garden. Alfred Millman, the resident of the property, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.

In a police interview, Mr Millman stated that he had found Ms Randall’s body in a bedroom and “panicked”. He admitted to moving her body outside, saying, “I put her outside where the rubbish was. God knows how long she had been [in the house] because I am hardly in the bedroom”.

The inquest heard that Ms Randall had a history of drug addiction and was on medication at the time of her death. She was also known to self-harm and had been suffering from depression.

A toxicology report revealed the presence of alcohol, cannabis, amphetamine, morphine, diazepam, and pregabalin in Ms Randall’s system. Forensic pathologist Dr John Williams stated that he “could not exclude the possibility” that these substances together could have played a role in her death.

Ms Randall’s family, some of whom attended the inquest, had previously paid tribute to her, describing her as a “brilliant mother” and a talented hairdresser who was well-known in the Port Talbot area.

The tragic case highlights the complex issues surrounding substance abuse and mental health, as well as the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigations in missing persons cases, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals.

(Image: BBC)

News

Harvest Moon shines bright over Tenby

Published

31 mins ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

GARETH DAVIES, the well known Pembrokeshire news photographer, has captured a stunning image of the Harvest Moon illuminating the skies over Tenby, showcasing the natural beauty of our coastal town.

The Harvest Moon, traditionally the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, is renowned for its warm, golden hue and early rising. This celestial event historically signalled farmers to gather their crops, hence its name. As the sun sets, the moon rises in the eastern sky, appearing larger and brighter than usual.

Gareth’s photograph beautifully encapsulates this magical moment, with the moon casting a silvery glow over Tenby’s picturesque landscape. The blend of the moonlight with the town’s historic buildings and the tranquil sea creates a breathtaking scene that captures the essence of autumn in Wales.

As the nights grow longer, the Harvest Moon serves as a reminder of nature’s cycles and the changing seasons.

Charity

Welsh RNLI Lifeboat stations gear up for RNLI 200th anniversary scroll relay

Published

57 mins ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is set to mark its 200th anniversary in 2024 with a unique relay-style event involving its stations and shops across Wales. Throughout September and October, RNLI locations in Wales will participate in the ‘Connecting our Communities’ event, a key part of the bicentenary celebrations.

This commemorative relay features a scroll bearing the RNLI pledge, which is being passed through RNLI communities—including lifeboat stations, shops, lifeguard units, and fundraising branches—across the UK and Ireland. At each stop along its journey, representatives from the RNLI will sign the scroll, reinforcing the charity’s commitment to saving lives at sea.

The scroll’s journey through Wales includes visits to numerous RNLI stations and shops, with the schedule as follows:

Penarth Lifeboat Station: 20 September
Barry Island Visitor Centre and Shop: 21 September
Port Talbot Lifeboat Station: 21 September 2024
Burry Port Lifeboat Station: 22 September
Saundersfoot Shop: 23 September
Tenby Lifeboat Station: 23 September
Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station: 25 September
St Davids Lifeboat Station: 25 September
Fishguard Lifeboat Station: 26 September
Cardigan Lifeboat Station: 26 September
Aberaeron Fundraising Branch: 27 September
Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station: 27 September
Aberdyfi Lifeboat Station: 28 September
Barmouth Lifeboat Station: 28 September
Abersoch Lifeboat Station: 29 September
Pwllheli Lifeboat Station: 29 September
Moelfre Seawatch Centre: 2 October
Beaumaris Lifeboat Station: 2 October
Conwy Lifeboat Station: 11 October
Llandudno Lifeboat Station: 12 October
Rhyl Lifeboat Station: 12 October

This event offers an opportunity for the RNLI community to come together in celebration of the charity’s two centuries of service. Established in 1824, the RNLI has saved countless lives through its search and rescue operations along the coastlines of the UK and Ireland. The scroll relay serves not only as a commemoration of the RNLI’s rich history but also as a reaffirmation of its ongoing mission to save lives at sea.

The RNLI continues to rely on the generosity of the public and the dedication of its volunteers to maintain its vital life-saving operations. As the organisation approaches this milestone anniversary, it is inviting communities across Wales and beyond to participate in the celebrations and support its ongoing work.

News

Clarbeston Road stuns Monkton Swifts in nine-goal thriller

Published

1 hour ago

September 19, 2024

Herald Sport

ANOTHER thrilling weekend of football in Pembrokeshire’s First Division unfolded with late drama aplenty. The standout fixture took place at Clarbeston Road, where they narrowly won a nine-goal thriller, while Goodwick United faced a stiff test against Tenby. The Vikings continued their impressive start to the season, as the newly promoted teams struggled to find their footing once more.

Clarbeston Road 5-4 Monkton Swifts

The match of the weekend was at Clarbeston Road, where a remarkable comeback saw the hosts overturn a 4-1 deficit with just 15 minutes left on the clock to beat Monkton Swifts. Jack Clarke’s brace and a goal from Ben Steele had the Swifts cruising at half-time. Despite an early second-half goal from Jake Wesley for Clarbeston, Liam Butland’s strike restored Monkton’s three-goal cushion. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Laurie Haworth scored twice, Ben John added another, and Travis Jones netted a stoppage-time winner, completing a comeback that will be remembered for years.

Carew 2-3 Merlins Bridge

Merlins Bridge avenged last week’s defeat with a 3-2 win over Carew. Captain Jordan Thomas put the Wizards ahead before Marcus Griffiths equalised for the hosts. Late goals from Liam Manwaring and Tom Jago gave Merlins Bridge a 3-1 lead, rendering Leon Davies’ last-minute goal a mere consolation for Carew.

Herbrandston 1-5 Milford United

Scott Reid shone against his former club, scoring four goals as Milford United thrashed Herbrandston 5-1. Reid’s goals came on either side of an equaliser from Adam Whatling. Rhys Brawn added a fourth for Milford before Reid sealed the rout with a fourth, assisted by Morgan Picton. Herbrandston are struggling to adapt to First Division life, languishing at the bottom of the table without a point, while Milford United sit comfortably in third place.

Kilgetty 1-3 Hakin United

Hakin United, the Vikings, maintained their top-of-the-table status with a solid 3-1 win over Kilgetty. The hosts took an early lead through Lloyd Hughes, but Hakin responded with a goal from Justin Harding. A long-range strike from Alfie Stotter and late goals from Leo Power and Shane Walsh ensured victory for the visitors.

Pennar Robins 2-1 St Ishmaels

Pennar Robins edged past St Ishmaels 2-1, thanks to two first-half goals from Cameron Brunton and Nick Willis, both set up by Dan James. Joel Mills pulled one back for the visitors, but Pennar held firm to secure their second win of the season. St Ishmaels remain without a point, sitting second from bottom.

Tenby 1-2 Goodwick United

Defending champions Goodwick United completed a late comeback to beat Tenby 2-1, courtesy of two goals from Will Haworth. Richard Perry had given Tenby the lead, set up by Ned Davies. Haworth equalised in the 84th minute and then clinched the winner deep into stoppage time. The victory was tainted for Tenby, who saw both Joe Leahy and Charlie Gregory sent off after the final whistle. This match shows that while Goodwick are still strong, they appear more vulnerable than last season.