News

Terror accused had ‘white supremacy’ interest

Published

6 years ago

September 16, 2020

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has pleaded not guilty to 28 charges of possessing explosives and chemical weapons at Newport Crown Court.

Russell Wadge, aged 58 and from Trimsaran, pleaded guilty to five offences relating to the possession and manufacture of hydrogen cyanide – one of the most lethal of poisons – in December last year.

Officers from the Wales Extremism and Counter-Terrorism Unit (WECTU) supported by Dyfed Powys Police executed a search warrant at the property near the village of Trimsaran on June 11, 2019.

Armed officers from WECTU, supported by officers from Dyfed Powys Police, attended the property to execute a search warrant.

After finding chemicals at the property, Police Russell Wadge on suspicion of offences relating to being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

A specialist search of the property took place, which was cordoned off for an extended period after the initial raid.

Opening for the prosecution, Tom Little QC told the Court that during the raid on Wadge’s property, Police found significant stocks of chemicals which could be used to manufacture explosives and poisons.

Mr Little said that, when interviewed by Police, Wadge admitted making hydrogen cyanide, which Mr Little described as ‘one of the most rapidly-acting poisons known to man’.

The prosecuting QC told the jury during the search of Wadge’s property and his computer, Police uncovered evidence that Mr Wadge had a significant interest in White Supremacy and extremist positions around Brexit.

Tom Little QC, said: “There were those frustrated by the delays to the Brexit process who were agitating, but they did not have access to this range of chemicals.”

The Police raid also found hydrogen cyanide stored in a freezer on the premises and liquid in a container labelled ‘poison’ in the accused’s fridge

When interviewed, Mr Wadge denied any belief in extremism but claimed a ‘keen interest’ in chemistry.
The prosecution says that the nature of what was uncovered at Wadge’s property far exceeds any scientific enthusiasm. Books were found describing how to make plastic explosives.

Ingredients to make the explosive used in the Manchester Arena bombing were also found at Wadge’s property.

Police found boxes of grenades, mines and plans for a device to release cyanide.

Mr Wadge claimed to the Police that such a quantity of chemicals and weaponry had no connection with any extremism on any intention to use the weapons he manufactured and possessed.

He said he had the weapons and chemicals ‘for the thrill of it’ and the illegal nature of what he was doing gave him ‘a buzz’.

At the time of writing, the trial continues.

News

Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

Published

40 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

46 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

1 hour ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.