Crime

Woman charged with murder of six-year-old boy in Swansea

Published

1 year ago

September 1, 2024

A WOMAN has been charged with the murder of a six-year-old boy, identified as Alexander Zurawski, in Swansea. The young boy, described by his family and teachers as “very kind,” tragically lost his life in an incident that has left the local community deeply shocked and devastated.

Alexander Zurawski was found dead at a residence on Cwm Du Close in the Gendros area of Swansea on Thursday, August 29. Emergency services were called to the scene, where the young boy was discovered.

Karolina Zurawska, 41, also of Gendros, has been charged with Alexander’s murder. In addition to this charge, she faces an attempted murder charge concerning a 67-year-old man, related to an incident that is alleged to have occurred earlier on the same day.

Ms. Zurawska is scheduled to appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Monday). According to the police, no other suspects are being sought in connection with the incident.

In a poignant tribute, Alexander’s family described him as a “very kind child” who loved playing with his little sister and their dog, Daisy. “Alexander was always well behaved and never naughty. He was very clever and mature for his age, with a great understanding of facts. He was always helpful, eager to assist with cooking and cleaning, and often corrected his parents’ English if they got words wrong. He was amazing,” the statement read.

Bethan Peterson, headteacher at Whitestone Primary School, where Alexander was a pupil, expressed the school’s deep sorrow at his passing. “We’re devastated to learn of the tragic death of Alexander. He was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook. He was extremely loved and popular among his peers, staff, and all who knew him. He will be sadly missed. Appropriate support will be made available to children, staff, and everyone within our school community who is affected. We ask that our school community’s privacy be respected during this difficult time,” Ms. Peterson stated.

Chief Superintendent Chris Truscott, divisional commander for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, acknowledged the profound impact of the incident on the local community. “This is a distressing incident which has been a tremendous shock to the local community. The local community has been outstanding in their support of our investigation, and we would like to thank all of them for their patience during what has been a traumatic few days. A police presence will be retained in the local area over the coming days to provide advice and reassurance. Our thoughts are with Alexander’s family and friends at this difficult time,” he said.

The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of a young life.

Crime

Milford Haven man denies child sex charges as trial date set

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A MAN originally from Milford Haven has pleaded not guilty to a series of sexual offences involving a child after recently moving to Cornwall.

James Kershaw, aged 45, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Quethiock, Cornwall, appeared in court on Friday (Dec 19), where he denied all four sexual charges put to him.

The hearing was his first Crown Court appearance in the case, during which a trial date was fixed for October 5.

Kershaw was allowed to remain on bail under strict conditions, including that he must have no contact with any prosecution witnesses.

Kershaw appeared via video link from his solicitor’s office in Cornwall. The judge described this as “a very generous decision by the listings officer” and said it had “presumably been arranged due to the distance from you to the court”.

Allegations denied

The charges relate to alleged incidents said to have taken place in Liskeard, Cornwall, between October 26 and November 1, 2023.

Kershaw is accused of engaging in sexual communication with a child under the age of 16 and of causing a child aged 13 to watch sexual activity. He also faces two allegations of causing or inciting a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity of a non-penetrative nature on separate dates.

In addition, Kershaw is charged with two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed by Derby Crown Court in May 2022. These allegations include the use of an undisclosed Facebook account and the deletion of messages, both of which are said to be prohibited under the terms of that order.

Kershaw denies all allegations.

The court ordered that Kershaw may remain on bail pending trial, subject to conditions including a strict ban on contacting any witnesses.

The complainant’s identity is protected by law under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

The case is due to return to court when the trial begins in October.

Crime

Swansea man jailed for online child sex offence dies in hospital

Published

20 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SWANSEA man who was jailed earlier this year for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child has died in hospital soon after leaving custody at Parc Prison.

Gareth Davies, aged 59, of the Maritime Quarter, had been serving an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted in May of sending sexually explicit messages to what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The account was in fact a decoy used as part of an online safeguarding operation.

The court heard that Davies began communicating with the decoy between November and December 2024 and persistently pursued the individual, later attempting to arrange a face-to-face meeting. He was arrested after being confronted by the decoy operators.

Davies had pleaded not guilty but was convicted following a trial. At the time of sentencing, police described the messages as extremely concerning and said his imprisonment was necessary to protect children.

It has now been confirmed that Davies died in hospital after being at HMP Parc on Wednesday (Nov 27).

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an independent investigation into the death, which is standard procedure in all cases where someone dies in custody or in hospital shortly after being at prison.

A HMP Parc spokesperson: “Mr Gareth Davies (DOB 12/08/1966) passed away at an outside hospital on 27 November 2025.

“As with all deaths in custody, this will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. The cause of death will be for the coroner to determine.”

No cause of death has been released at this stage.