News

Missing Swansea mum’s body found under pile of rubbish

Published

3 months 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)

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

14 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.