News

BSL legislation hailed as “historic moment for disability rights”

Published

53 seconds ago

March 15, 2026

First Minister Eluned Morgan says new law will improve access to public services for Deaf people across Wales

FIRST Minister Eluned Morgan has welcomed the passing of legislation recognising and promoting British Sign Language (BSL) in Wales, describing the move as a “historic moment for disability rights”.

Members of the Senedd voted to pass the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill, which will place new responsibilities on public bodies to improve services for BSL users.

The legislation will require organisations including NHS Wales, schools and local councils to review and adapt their services so that they actively facilitate and promote the use of BSL.

Eluned Morgan, Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, said the Bill marks an important cultural moment for Wales and for the Deaf community.

She said: “Representation is important. For many people in the Deaf community across Mid and West Wales, British Sign Language is their first language.

“This Bill lays the foundations for more meaningful use of BSL across our public services.

“While communicating in your first or chosen language in everyday life – such as during a medical appointment – is taken for granted by English speakers, that is not always the case for BSL signers.

“The passing of this Bill is a huge step forward in tackling the barriers and inequalities faced by this community in Wales.”

Morgan added that the legislation should lead to more accessible services in health, education and local government.

She said: “I am proud to see legislation pass that will create lasting improvements to the lives of BSL users in Pembrokeshire and across Mid and West Wales.

“This Bill was created with BSL signers at its heart, and that will continue as the policy becomes a reality.”

The Welsh Government says the new law builds on its previous support for BSL. Wales was the first UK nation to include BSL within the national curriculum, allowing both Deaf pupils and hearing students to learn the language.

Ministers say embedding BSL within education has helped Deaf signers develop and use their language while also broadening access to it among younger generations.

The legislation is expected to lead to improved access to public services and greater recognition of BSL across Wales.

Crime

Restraining order breach allegation withdrawn at court

Published

8 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Tenby man had faced harassment-related charge

A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of breaching a restraining order has had the case against him withdrawn at court.

Christopher Marsh, aged 49, of Grove Court, St Florence, Tenby, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Marsh had been charged with harassment by breaching a restraining order.

The allegation related to an incident said to have taken place on Tuesday (Mar 3), 2026.

However, during the hearing the prosecution withdrew the charge.

Magistrates therefore took no further action and the case was dismissed.

Crime

Man accused of breaching sexual harm prevention order sent to Crown Court

Published

14 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Llanelli magistrates send case to higher court

A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to the Crown Court after appearing before magistrates in connection with an alleged breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

Luke Rogers, aged 40, of C3161 Brimston Cross to Wolfscastle Road, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Rogers is charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order on Tuesday (Feb 25), 2026.

He also faces a further charge of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence on the same date.

No pleas were entered during the hearing.

Magistrates ruled that the case should be dealt with at the Crown Court and sent the matter to the higher court.

Rogers was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Apr 10, 2026.

Crime

Multiple charges of attempted sexual communication with child

Published

26 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Machynlleth defendant committed to Crown Court for sentence

A 63-YEAR-OLD man has been committed to the Crown Court for after appearing in court over offences involving attempted sexual communication with a child.

John Langdon, aged 63, of Brickfield Street, Machynlleth, appeared before magistrates charged with two offences relating to attempted online sexual contact with a child.

The court heard that between Saturday (Mar 8) and Wednesday (Mar 12), 2026, Langdon attempted to cause a child aged fourteen to view images of sexual activity for the purpose of sexual gratification.

He was also charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under sixteen by sending videos containing sexual content.

Both offences were prosecuted under the Criminal Attempts Act 1981.

Langdon did not enter a formal plea the hearing.

Magistrates ruled that their sentencing powers were insufficient due to the seriousness of the allegations.