News

Evidence gaps leave jury unable to determine Morriston blast cause

Published

5 months ago

September 16, 2025

EVIDENCE taken away from the wreckage of a fatal house explosion meant an inquest jury could not say what caused the blast, a hearing in Swansea concluded on Monday (Sept 15).

Brian Davies, 68, died when his home on Clydach Road, Morriston, was destroyed on Monday, 13 March 2023. Three people — including a 14-year-old next door — were taken to hospital.

FAMILY ‘LET DOWN’

At Swansea Guildhall, the jury returned a narrative conclusion after hearing that key material had been removed during the urgent search for Mr Davies, who was found in the kitchen area some six hours after the explosion. His family told the inquest they felt “let down” by “major mistakes” in the investigation.

Coroner Aled Gruffydd apologised that the cause could not be established and said he would write to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and police about evidence preservation in future cases.

WHAT WAS KEPT — AND LOST

Jurors heard that police retained the gas boiler, cooker and meter for examination. However, large volumes of debris were taken to a recycling centre and disposed of, leaving the available evidence “compromised and incomplete”.

A representative for Wales & West Utilities (WWU) said responsibility for securing the scene and gathering exhibits rested with police.

GAS LEAK A ‘VIABLE CAUSE’

An HSE principal gas engineer said the destruction was typical of a severe gas explosion and that a leak in a nearby gas main was “a viable cause”. He added he could not rule out a leak within the property because some potential evidence was no longer available.

A letting agent told the hearing the rented home was inspected five months before the blast and no gas issues were recorded. The jury was shown images of Mr Davies’ cooker in a disconnected state; the agent said the agency had not arranged that disconnection.

A post-mortem found Mr Davies died from injuries to his neck and chest.

NEIGHBOURS DESCRIBE IMPACT

Next-door neighbour Claire Bennett said she had smelled gas in the area for around a fortnight before the explosion. She described a “massive bang”, after which her living room filled with debris as ceilings and walls collapsed. Ms Bennett and her son Ethan have since received therapy for PTSD.

Former postman Jonathan Roberts told the inquest he heard the explosion as he drove past; CCTV showed smoke and debris erupting immediately.

WWU’s chief operating officer, Rob Long, offered condolences to Mr Davies’ family and said the company’s thoughts remained with everyone affected.

In a statement, Mr Davies’ relatives said they were deeply saddened by his loss and felt let down after key evidence was lost. They welcomed the coroner’s decision to report on evidence-preservation issues, hoping no other family endures the same ordeal.

(Image: BBC)

Crime

Pembroke Dock woman admits breaching community order

Published

13 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates revoke sentence after missed appointments

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has admitted breaching the terms of a community order.

Shannon Charge, aged 30, of Pater Court, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

She admitted failing to attend a scheduled probation appointment and a drug dependency appointment.

Magistrates revoked the existing community order and ordered her to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the order related to earlier offences, for which she had been made subject to rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements. A further review hearing is listed for March 2.

Crime

Milford Haven man given extra unpaid work after breaching court order

Published

17 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates add hours after missed appointments

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been ordered to complete extra unpaid work after breaching the terms of a community order.

Peter Jones, aged 33, of Precelly Place, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

He admitted failing to attend scheduled unpaid work and a probation appointment earlier this month.

Magistrates varied the order, imposing an additional 10 hours of unpaid work. Jones was also ordered to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the original community order followed an earlier conviction.

Business

St Clears discount store in closing down sale after chain enters administration

Published

22 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WELL-KNOWN discount retailer in St Clears is advertising a closing down sale after its parent company fell into administration, raising fresh concerns about the future of another high street store in west Wales.

The Original Factory Shop, which trades from Pentre Road in St Clears, has launched an “up to 30% off” sale as administrators attempt to secure the future of the business.

The chain, which sells clothing, homeware, garden products, toys and everyday essentials, appointed joint administrators Rick Harrison and James Clark of Interpath Advisory last week.

Founded in 1969, the retailer operates 137 stores across the UK and employs around 1,180 staff.

In a statement, Interpath said the company had faced difficult trading conditions common across the high street, including rising costs, weaker consumer spending and increased employment expenses. It added that problems with a third-party warehouse and logistics provider had also disrupted sales.

Despite the administration, the joint administrators say all stores will continue trading for now while options for the business are explored. The company’s online store is set to close.

Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said the retailer had long been a fixture in town centres across the country but had struggled in the current climate.

Over the coming weeks, administrators will review whether parts of the business can be sold or restructured.

However, signage and social media posts from the St Clears branch suggest uncertainty locally, with the store promoting a closing down sale and urging shoppers to “grab a bargain while stocks last”.

The St Clears outlet is one of the last remaining branches in west Wales. Stores in Fishguard, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven closed last year. The Cardigan branch is also understood to be running a similar clearance sale.

The loss of another discount retailer would mark a further blow for smaller town centres already facing reduced footfall and rising costs.