Swansea’s Secret Traitor revealed as real‑life lifesaver who helped woman escape abuse and sex work

Fiona, 62, who was unmasked as the series’ first ever Secret Traitor, worked for Swansea Council as a Local Area Coordinator covering the Brynmill and Uplands area. Her role involved supporting people facing isolation, crisis or vulnerability — and one case in particular has resurfaced following her TV fame.

A chance meeting that changed a life

According to a Swansea Council case study published in 2018, Fiona first met a young woman known as Alice on a bench overlooking the lake at Brynmill Park. The pair had been introduced by a mutual acquaintance who believed Fiona could help.

Alice, then 25, was bright and articulate but struggling with isolation, low confidence and a violent relationship. During one of their regular “talk and walk” meetings in local parks and along the promenade, she disclosed that she had become trapped in sex work.

The council says Fiona spent months getting to know her, helping her identify her strengths and goals, and supporting her to imagine “what a good life looked like”.

A Swansea Council case study said:

“Fiona came into my life when I thought nobody could help me. I felt so ashamed and just didn’t want to go on. I’ll always be grateful for the time she spent with me and thank her from the bottom of my heart.”

Fiona introduced Alice to a Domestic Abuse Support worker, took her to the One Stop Shop in the city centre, and encouraged her to explore voluntary work and education.

By the end of 2018, Alice had left her abusive partner, stopped sex work and enrolled in college. The council says the pair remained in contact.

Fiona’s philosophy: ‘Walk alongside people’

The council’s profile of Fiona paints a picture of a community worker who believed in simple, human connection — often starting with a coffee and a walk.

A Swansea Council case study quoted Fiona saying:

“Sometimes going for a coffee with someone you don’t know — having the warmth and genuine interest from another person — can help you to see options.”

She described her role as “walking alongside people” as they rebuilt confidence, reconnected with their community and worked towards the life they wanted.

Councillor Mark Child, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at the time, called Alice’s story “one of the most moving” examples of the Local Area Coordinator scheme.

From council worker to TV favourite

Fiona’s off‑screen work stands in stark contrast to her on‑screen persona as the red‑cloaked Secret Traitor — a twist that made her one of the most memorable players of the series.

Her dramatic confrontation with fellow Traitor Rachel Duffy and subsequent banishment drew huge attention, with more than seven million viewers watching the episode.

But Fiona has insisted the show was “just a bit of fun” compared with the real‑life challenges she faced supporting vulnerable people across Swansea.

She is now retiring from the council after working full‑time since she was 16, but says she will continue volunteering in the community, including with Swansea’s growing Men’s Sheds network.

A brush with police over a ‘burner phone’

Fiona also revealed on the BBC’s Uncloaked aftershow that she was once approached by police after innocently asking a shop for a “burner phone” — having been advised to set up a separate mobile for social media after filming.

The Independent reported that officers later approached her to check the request, leaving the studio audience in stitches when she recounted the mix‑up.

‘You can change somebody’s life by reaching out’

Reflecting on Alice’s story, Fiona told national media she was proud of the young woman’s progress but emphasised that the credit belonged to her.

Fiona Hughes said:

“The lady is very settled now. She has children and is an amazing woman. It’s not my story to tell, but it’s important to remember so many people feel very vulnerable and isolated, but you can change somebody’s life by reaching out.”

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Brynmill sinkhole finally filled – again – as road reopens this afternoon

Swansea Council confirmed at 3.20pm today (Friday 19 December) that the road is back open following emergency works.

The authority said crews had been “putting the finishing touches” to the repair earlier in the day, after investigations revealed the latest collapse was linked to the earlier fault that has caused repeated disruption in the area.

A spokesperson said the council’s Highways Team will now consider carrying out a geotechnical survey to determine whether further work is needed along the route to prevent more sinkholes from forming.

The reopening comes after a string of closures, diversions and emergency digs that have turned the Brynmill sinkhole into one of Swansea’s most persistent infrastructure sagas.

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Sinkhole forces road closure in Swansea’s Bryn‑y‑Mor Road
The first collapse that triggered months of disruption for residents and drivers.

Brynmill sinkhole saga rumbles on — crews dig deep after second collapse

This morning we revealed how the street had collapsed again, forcing a fresh closure between Westbury Street and Eaton Crescent. Heavy machinery and barriers are now back in place as engineers work to stabilise the site.

From November shock to December drama

The saga began on 22 November, when a sudden collapse forced the closure of Brynymor Road. What at first looked like a small hole quickly grew into a major headache, with councillors warning the damage was larger than expected.

Investigations followed, with engineers probing whether old mine workings beneath the Crescent were to blame. For weeks, the mystery deepened as crews dug into the road surface, trying to uncover the cause.

By mid‑December, the answer finally came: the collapse was traced back to an old manhole chamber hidden beneath the tarmac. With the mystery solved, hopes rose that the road could reopen before Christmas.

On 17 December, councillors gathered for a photo call to mark the reopening, praising the swift repair and celebrating the return of traffic to one of Brynmill’s busiest streets.

Collapse number two

But the celebrations didn’t last long. Within hours, a second sinkhole appeared nearby, plunging the street back into disruption and forcing crews to return with diggers and trucks.

A Swansea Council spokesperson said:

“Our highways maintenance teams are at the site of a second sinkhole on Brynymor Road. We are doing all we can to repair as quickly as possible and reopen the road.”

They added:

“The road is closed between Westbury Street and Eaton Crescent. Brynymor Road between King Edward Road and St Helens Road remains open to motorists who are visiting local businesses in the area. Apologies for any inconvenience this is causing.”

Images from the scene

Photos taken Thursday show crews in high‑vis jackets operating diggers and trucks, excavating the collapsed section and cordoning off the street with barriers. The fresh hole exposes layers of asphalt and soil, as engineers work to stabilise the site.

Swansea man jailed after ‘unprovoked’ pub attack

Steven Vonk, 51, from Westbury Street, Brynmill, denied murder but admitted manslaughter to the assault on 25 July, which was accepted by prosecutors on Monday at Swansea Crown Court.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told Vonk he had committed “unprovoked gratuitous thuggery”, and would serve half of his sentence in prison, and the rest on licence.

The court heard how Vonk, who had been drinking all day in The Mill, punched Mr Matthews after he apparently swore at him outside the pub.

William Hughes KC, prosecuting, told the court CCTV captured Mr Matthews raising a thumb at Vonk on the evening of 25 July. The victim was then punched without any reason, the barrister said.

“Mr Matthews immediately fell backwards and hit the ground,” he said.

“He was seemingly knocked out by the force of the blow.”

The court heard Vonk left Mr Matthews unresponsive on the ground and was arrested the following day.

Mr Matthews sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and continued to deteriorate in intensive care which led to doctors having to explain to his family that his injuries were unsurvivable. Life-maintaining therapies were withdrawn, and Mr Matthews died at lunchtime on July 27.

Serena Matthews, daughter of Timmy said in a written statement read to the court that her world had “changed forever.”

“I’m tormented at the thought of what my dad endured… and how alone and scared he must have felt.

“Dad was a loving character. Our family and everyone in the community is in shock.

“He was my best friend, and I will never get him back.”

In sentencing, Judge Thomas KC said:

“You violently ended the life of a 63-year-old man who had many years of life awaiting him.

“These courts see time after time after time that a single heavy punch can be, and very often, is fatal.”

With a one-third discount for his guilty plea, Vonk was sentenced to three years in prison. He will serve half the sentence in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.

[Lead image South Wales Police]

#Brynmill #murder #SouthWalesPolice #SwanseaCrownCourt #theMill

Council leader welcomes planning approval for Ospreys’ St Helen’s stadium redevelopment

Following the announcement of planning approval for the Ospreys’ proposed redevelopment of St Helen’s Sports Ground, Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has welcomed the decision and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the club’s long-term future in the city.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “It’s vitally important for sport and the local economy that the Ospreys continue to be based in Swansea and we’re working together to make that happen.

“We’re doing everything we can to support the Ospreys. We’ve agreed a lease for them to make St Helen’s their new home and to widen its community use.

“And I’m pleased the council’s planning committee has today granted planning permission for the exciting redevelopment of St Helen’s.”

The council’s endorsement follows confirmation that construction work is expected to begin this autumn, with the club aiming to relocate permanently to St Helen’s in December 2025.

The approved plans include a full-size World Rugby compliant 4G pitch, three new stands, a covered terrace, upgraded floodlights, fan zones, and improved access and parking. A second phase of development would add a training barn, gym and changing rooms.

Cllr Stewart added: “By having a lease agreed and planning permission in place the Ospreys can start moving ahead with their plans to remain in Swansea and transform the historic St Helen’s ground into a modern sports facility.”

The council’s investment and the Ospreys’ lease remain conditional, with ongoing uncertainty over the future of Wales’ four rugby regions due to a WRU consultation.

Cllr Stewart said: “We know the uncertainty over the future of the regions has raised concerns about the timing of the planned redevelopment of St Helen’s.

“That’s why we’re working closely with the Ospreys and have an agreement with them to ensure the works at St Helen’s progress in line with any WRU decisions on the future structure of the regions.

“We have done all we can to support the Ospreys to get them to this point. We now hope the WRU will end the uncertainty hanging over the regions and support the Ospreys in continuing top flight rugby in Swansea.”

The redevelopment is designed to honour the site’s sporting legacy while modernising infrastructure to support elite and community rugby. Swansea RFC and Swansea University will continue to play at the ground, with Swansea RFC temporarily relocating to Dunvant RFC’s Broadacre ground during construction.

Swansea Cricket Club, a tenant at St Helen’s since 1875, will vacate the site after the 2025 season. The council is working with the club to support its move to an upgraded facility at Sketty Lane.

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Tribute paid to man who died following incident in Brynmill

South Wales Police confirmed that Mr Matthews, from Townhill, died following an incident in Brynmill on the evening of Friday 25 July. The incident occurred outside The Mill pub on Brynymor Road at around 8.15pm.

In a statement released by the force, his family said:

“Dad/Timmy was a loving character. Our family and everyone in the community is in shock at what has happened. He will be sadly missed by his daughter, sister and all his friends in Swansea.”

Mr Matthews was taken to Morriston Hospital, where he later died on Sunday 27 July.

A man from Swansea has since been charged with murder in connection with the incident. Steven Vonk, aged 51, of Westbury Street, Brynmill, appeared via video link at Swansea Crown Court earlier this week. A plea and trial preparation hearing is scheduled for September, with a potential trial date set for January 2026.

South Wales Police is continuing its investigation and has appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, quoting reference 2500237616

#Brynmill #BrynymorRoad #featured #murder #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #theMill

Swansea man charged with murder after Brynmill assault

A Swansea man has been charged with murder following reports of an assault outside a pub in Brynmill, Swansea.

The incident occurred at around 8:15pm on Friday, 25 July, at The Mill on Brynymor Road.

A 63-year-old man was taken to Morriston Hospital, where he later died on Sunday, 27 July.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said:

“We can confirm a man has been charged with murder following an incident in #Brynmill, #Swansea.

“Police were called to a report of an assault and an unconscious male outside The Mill, Brynymor Road, at around 8.15pm on Friday, July 25.

“The 63-year-old man was taken to Morriston Hospital where he died last night (Sunday, July 27).

“Next of kin has been informed and are being supported.

“Steven Vonk, 50, from Swansea, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court, before appearing at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday.

“Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to contact us quoting 250023761

[Lead image: Google Maps]

#Brynmill #murder #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #theMill

Paws for applause: Swansea firefighters rescue rooftop cat in Brynmill

It was a textbook case of cat versus gravity on Thursday morning, as firefighters from Morriston Fire Station were dispatched to rescue a stranded feline from the roof of a three-storey property in Brynmill Crescent, Swansea.

The call came in at 9.48am, and while Sketty and Swansea Central stations are closer to the scene, it was Morriston’s specialist turntable ladder appliance that made the difference. The crew arrived equipped with the aerial platform — and a few cat treats — to coax the rooftop adventurer back to safety.

The cat, reportedly uninjured but clearly unimpressed by the fuss, was gently retrieved and returned to ground level by 10.48am, much to the relief of its owner and a small crowd of amused neighbours.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

“The crew responded to one cat that was stuck on the roof of a three-storey property. Crew members utilised a turntable ladder appliance – and cat treats – to rescue the cat and bring it to safety.”

The incident has already sparked a flurry of social media reactions, with one local joking, “That cat’s got more drama than my teenager — and better rescue options.”

Morriston’s turntable ladder is one of just a few in the region, relocated to the station in 2021 as part of a major upgrade to the service’s aerial rescue capabilities. It’s typically deployed for high-rise incidents, but Thursday’s callout proved that even the most advanced kit can be used for the fluffiest of missions.

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Published April 2024: Daisy was safely retrieved after falling into a disused quarry near Pontarddulais, with firefighters using rope access and animal handling gear.

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Specialist search and rescue crew called to Swansea garden to rescue dog trapped under building
Published February 2024: A dog became wedged beneath a garden structure in Townhill, prompting a delicate rescue operation involving thermal imaging and excavation tools.

#animalRescue #Brynmill #cat #catOnARoof #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #MorristonFireStation #Swansea #TurntableAppliance

Student jailed after breaking into womens homes and masturbating while they slept

A university student who broke into multiple homes in the middle of the night to watch women sleep—and in one case, sexually gratify himself – has been sentenced to an extended prison term.

Evan Powell, 21, was found guilty of trespassing with intent to commit a sexual offence after a jury rejected his claim that he was simply searching for a lost phone.

The incidents occurred in the early hours of October 31, following a student night out in Swansea.

Powell, a computer science student at Swansea University, had attended a fancy dress party on Brynmill Crescent before heading to bars on Wind Street. Dressed in a black suit and tie resembling characters from the film Men in Black, he later returned to the Brynmill area and unlawfully entered three homes, attempting to enter a fourth.

In one house, Powell first entered a child’s bedroom, rummaging through drawers and waking the child. He then moved to the mother’s room, where she awoke to find him standing by her bed. He fled when she stirred.

At another nearby property, Powell entered a woman’s bedroom and exposed himself, masturbating while watching her sleep. When the woman woke and confronted him, a struggle ensued in the kitchen. She punched him, and he pushed her before fleeing.

In a third home, Powell was scared off when the occupant woke to the sound of the door opening. He then returned to his shared student accommodation.

Police launched an investigation after the incidents were reported. 20-year-old Evan Powell, from Brynmill, was identified using retrospective facial recognition software. Powell was arrested later the same day.

Officers later discovered he had also attempted to enter a fourth home that night but was unsuccessful.

During his trial in April, Powell denied any sexual motive, claiming he was trying to find the house where the earlier party had been held in hopes of retrieving his lost phone. He admitted the situation was “very odd” but insisted he was simply lost and bad with directions.

The jury did not believe his explanation and convicted him of three counts of trespassing with intent to commit a sexual offence and one count of attempted trespass with the same intent.

The court also heard that Powell had previously sexually assaulted a young woman in October 2023. He followed her along Bryn Road in the early morning and groped her. Although the incident was reported, he was not prosecuted and instead received a “community resolution,” which involved admitting the offence and writing an apology letter. The judge later criticized this decision, and it was revealed that proper procedures had not been followed by the investigating officer.

At sentencing, Powell’s barrister, Avirup Chaudhuri, said his client came from a supportive family and had shown remorse. He suggested Powell’s shame might be preventing him from fully acknowledging his actions. He also noted Powell’s young age and said he had been helping fellow inmates with literacy skills while in custody.

Judge Paul Thomas KC described Powell’s actions as “extremely sinister,” stating that he had been “prowling the streets” looking for “opportunities for non-consensual activity.” He emphasized that Powell’s motivation was clearly sexual and that he posed a high risk of reoffending due to his lack of insight or acceptance of his behavior.

Powell, now living in Newport, was sentenced to a nine-year extended sentence – five years in prison followed by four years on licence. He must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term before being eligible for parole. He will also be on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Inspector Stuart Prendiville from South Wales Police said: “Evan Powell’s actions on October 31 last year left multiple people in the Brynmill area feeling unsafe inside their own homes.

“That he entered their homes with the intention of committing a sexual offence is a significant aggravating factor.

“There is no justifiable explanation for Evan’s actions, and he is now rightly embarking on a term in prison.”

#Brynmill #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #SwanseaUniversity

Brynmill drug dealer jailed after jumping out of his window

36-year-old Lee Paul, from Brynmill, was seen jumping out of the window of his address while police were passing his home while investigating an unrelated matter.

Thinking this looked suspicious, officers then entered his address to find large amounts of cannabis and bags containing other white substances, as well as weighing scales with further white power on a weighing plate.

It was later established that Paul was concerned in the supply of cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, cannabis and alazopram.

He has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Luke Tucker from South Wales Police said: “Lee Paul arousing officers’ suspicion through his unusual behaviour in exiting his home address through the window would be laughable were it not for the seriousness of the drugs operation that he was carrying out inside.

“He is yet another individual who thought that he could become rich from this illegal trade. However, all that drugs has done for him is landed him years in prison.”

#Brynmill #drugs #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #Uplands