Entertainment

Bones in the Forest opens BBC murder series led by pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd

Published

2 months ago

January 26, 2026

First episode of The Truth About My Murder examines the 1996 Wentwood Forest killing of Tyrone France and the painstaking forensic work that helped identify him and secure justice

BBC WALES’ new true-crime series The Truth About My Murder begins on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with an opening episode titled Bones in the Forest.

The programme is fronted by world-renowned forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd, who uses pathology and modern forensic techniques to show how evidence found on a victim’s body can separate fact from fiction – and help police catch a killer. The series combines Shepherd’s analysis with testimony from detectives and the families left behind.

In the first episode, Shepherd revisits the 1996 murder of Tyrone France, a Newport man whose remains were discovered at Wentwood Forest, near Newport, south Wales.

Gwent Police were alerted to what was left of a fire at the crime scene. Officers found teeth, 343 small fragments of bone, and spent bullets. With so little intact, forensic investigators faced an extraordinary challenge: the fragments needed to be painstakingly examined and reconstructed in the pathology lab in the hope of identifying who the victim was.

Many of the pieces were from the body’s largest bone – the femur – and by piecing the fragments together through a complex process, pathologists were able to give police their first meaningful lead: an estimate of the victim’s approximate height.

A public appeal followed, prompting a breakthrough which led police to a name – Tyrone France, who had recently been reported missing.

The investigation then focused on Jason Preece, who came forward claiming to have been the last person to see Tyrone alive. As inconsistencies emerged, Preece offered a new account – describing a planned drug deal, an unexpected shooting, and the alleged involvement of two other men, Simon Spring and Dylan Watcyns.

At trial, the programme says, pathology played a central role in testing those accounts – including evidence about how Tyrone was shot, what happened next, and which version of events the forensic findings supported. The outcome, the episode claims, shocked police, journalists and local residents, and devastated Tyrone’s family, who remember him as their smiling “Baby Bear”.

The Truth About My Murder: Bones in the Forest airs on BBC Wales on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 10.40pm to 11.20pm.

Entertainment

Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle

Published

26 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.

Entertainment

How to Enjoy Online Casinos Safely and Responsibly

Published

2 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Staff Writer

When betting safely and responsibly, online casinos can be an enjoyable form of entertainment. But, irresponsible or unsafe practices can lead to problem gambling and significant financial losses. Knowing how to gamble safely and responsibly is crucial.

So, if you’re new to gambling or simply want some tips on how to gamble appropriately, then here’s a guide on how to stay safe with your online casino use.

Stick to Licensed Platforms

Always use licensed platforms when gambling. Many people wind up using an unregulated casino because they offer larger bonuses and less restriction, but it’s important not to get drawn in.

Unlicensed platforms aren’t regulated, therefore you can’t guarantee things like fair gameplay, responsive customer service, or proper dispute resolution, and the risk of being scammed is considerably higher.

Licensed casinos will not only be safer, but also offer a much more enjoyable gaming experience.

Ensure Payments Are Secure

Gambling does involve handing over your hard-earned money, so it’s important that you do it safely and securely. Only use online casinos that offer a variety of well-known, secure payment methods so you can have peace of mind while gaming.

Recognise the Risks

The biggest risk to gambling is financial loss. It’s crucial that you only ever bet what you can actually afford to lose to prevent considerable debt.

It’s also important to track your spending. For example, using a 2 pound minimum deposit casino can make the risk feel less significant, but £2 here and there can add up quickly. Without knowing how much money you’ve spent, it’s easy to lose track and end up spending way more than you originally intended.

Adopt Responsible Gambling Habits

It’s important not to get caught up in the thrill. Ensure you are keeping your habits healthy by:

Setting limits – if you struggle with knowing when to stop, setting time and financial limits is an effective way to stop you going too far
Accepting your losses – don’t chase your losses. If you lose, simply move on instead of trying to recoup your money
Not using gambling as a crutch – gambling should be a fun pastime and not a way to cope with strong emotions. Always avoid gambling while stressed or upset to prevent problem gambling

Maintain Safety With Online Casinos

Safety isn’t a one-off, you need to consider the safety of the site and your gambling habits every time you gamble. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safe, more enjoyable gambling experience.

Entertainment

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Published

2 days ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life

TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy on Saturday (Mar 21) as hundreds of visitors descended on the town for the annual Steampunk Festival.

The highlight of the day came with the much-anticipated Peacock Parade, which saw elaborately dressed participants wind their way through Tenby’s narrow streets, drawing large crowds of spectators.

Residents and visitors lined the route, many stopping to take photos as performers in eye-catching costumes passed by. From brass goggles and top hats to military-inspired uniforms and elegant gowns, the outfits on display reflected the creativity and theatrical spirit of the steampunk scene.

Among the most striking sights were the towering pink flamingo creations, which rose high above the crowds and became an instant talking point. Musicians in period costume added to the atmosphere, playing lively tunes as they marched through the town.

Families were out in force, with children and adults alike enjoying the spectacle. Many visitors had travelled from across Wales and beyond to attend the event, which has grown in popularity in recent years and is now firmly established as a key date in Tenby’s events calendar.

The Herald understands that local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafés, pubs and shops seeing a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

In addition to the parade, a range of activities were taking place across the town, including markets, performances and themed entertainment centred around the De Valence Pavilion.

Organisers have worked to create an inclusive and welcoming event, with many people choosing to dress up while others simply come along to enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The festival continues on Sunday, with further events planned as Tenby remains firmly in the grip of steampunk fever for the weekend.