News

Evidence gaps leave jury unable to determine Morriston blast cause

Published

6 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

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

3 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

3 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.