Man appears in court accused of murdering five‑month‑old baby in Clydach

Thomas Morgan, of Penyrheol Road, Gorseinon, is accused of murdering Jensen‑Lee Dougal at an address in Clydach on 30 March 2024.

At a hearing on Friday 5 September, defence barrister John Hipkin KC asked that Morgan not be arraigned until defence reports had been prepared, describing the matter as a “tragic and difficult case”.

The court was told the case will return on 17 October for what is expected to be a more substantive plea and trial preparation hearing.

The trial, which had been due to start on 6 January 2026, is now scheduled to begin on 19 January before High Court judge Mrs Justice Stacey. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC applied for the custody time limit to be extended to 26 January to allow for the change in trial date, which was granted by Judge Paul Thomas KC.

Morgan was further remanded in custody until his next court appearance.

#Clydach #Gorseinon #murder #Swansea #SwanseaCrownCourt

New trail launched on Tawe Trails history app

The latest addition — an audio‑only Tawe navigation trail — has been created for passengers on the popular Copper Jack River Cruise, offering a guided journey up and down the River Tawe packed with stories from the city’s industrial past.

It joins six other trails already available, covering Hafod Morfa Copperworks, White Rock, Parc Llewelyn, Swansea Canal at Clydach, Morriston Park and the wider Lower Swansea Valley.

The app, developed by Swansea Council’s regeneration team and funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, features interactive maps, waypoint pins, high‑quality images, satellite and street views, selfie postcard frames, accessibility settings and offline functionality. Content is available in English and Welsh, including audio narration.

Council cabinet member Robert Francis‑Davies said it was encouraging to see more than 700 downloads so far, with that figure expected to rise over the school holidays.

“The Lower Swansea Valley was at the heart of the copper industry that helped spread Swansea’s name across the world,” he said. “Thanks to the app, people will learn that Swansea’s story is Britain’s story — and we’re sharing it in the most modern way.”

The newest trail also includes accessibility and safety advice, along with background on historic sites such as Lougher Castle, Oxwich Castle, Weobley Castle and Pennard Castle.

The Tawe Trails app is free to download from the iTunes Store and Google Play.

#app #CllrRobertFrancisDavies #Clydach #CopperJack #HafodMorfaCopperworks #history #MorristonPark #ParcLlewelyn #RiverTawe #SwanseaCanal #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaValley #TaweTrails #WhiteRock

Long prison sentence for vile Swansea man who raped and controlled women

Jamil Ahmed admitted committing offences against four victims, three from other police force areas and one who lived in Dyfed-Powys.

The 28-year-old, from Clydach in Swansea, was charged with rape and controlling and coercive behaviour against a woman from Llanelli, who described him as ‘intimidating’ and ‘frightening’.

Swansea Crown Court heard how the victim reported being raped by Ahmed while she was passed out. She only found out about the offence when he showed her a video of him having sexual intercourse with her as she slept.  

He also controlled aspects of her life, preventing her from speaking to other men, blocking family members from contacting her, shutting down her social media accounts, and threatening to harm people she knew.

He controlled her emotions and finances, and even slept outside her home, and near her children’s school so he would see her when she dropped them off in the morning.

After pleading guilty to three charges of rape, three charges of controlling and coercive behaviour, and one charge of stalking, Ahmed was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with an extended licence of eight years on release. He is also subject to an indefinite restraining order.

Officer in case DC Jack Herbert, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said:

“Ahmed is a dangerous individual who showed calculated and predatory behaviour towards four women, leaving them in fear of his outbursts.

“I commend each of them for having the strength to speak out about him, and to report his criminal actions in order for us to investigate and bring him to justice. This has taken great courage, but it is thanks to them that he has received this lengthy prison sentence.

“I would encourage anyone living in a controlling relationship, or who has suffered a sexual offence, to reach out for help. Either report it to police, and we can ensure you receive the support you need during an investigation, or look to speak to a specialist service if you are not yet ready to report.”

You can find information about reporting rape and sexual offences, and contact details for support services here.

[Lead image: Dyfed Powys Police]

#Clydach #DyfedPowysPolice #rape

Clydach rapist handed extended jail sentence after offences involving four women

28-year-old Jamil Ahmed, from Clydach, raped one of the victims after making threats of violence should she not have complied with his wishes.

Ahmed changed his plea for one count each of rape and controlling and coercive behaviour from not guilty to guilty in July. In total he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of controlling/coercive behaviour and one count of harassment, putting his victim in fear of violence.

He has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, with an extension period of eight years, to run concurrently.

Detective Constable Judith Williams said:

“Jamil Ahmed filled his victims with terror through his violent outbursts and threats which left them feeling like they had no option but to go along with his predatory demands.

“This was not something which happened on just one occasion. This was a prolonged pattern of behaviour, and that has played a huge part in achieving the extended sentence with which he has been served today.

“We applaud the victims for their bravery in coming forward, and hope they can begin to move on with their lives now that Jamil Ahmed will no longer be a part of them.

“To anyone else suffering, or who has been the victim of a sexual offence: please report it. Our team of specially-trained officers will be able to support you.”

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

#Clydach #rape #SouthWalesPolice

Plaid MS challenges LINK over Pontardawe banking hub snub

Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for South Wales West, Sioned Williams, has written to LINK — the UK’s cash access coordinator — to dispute its assessment that Pontardawe does not require additional cash services after Lloyds Bank closes its branch this November. LINK is funded by the UK’s banks and building societies to assess community needs and ensure access to cash across the country.

The closure of Lloyds will leave the entire Swansea Valley without a physical bank, prompting widespread concern. LINK’s original review concluded that existing cash access in Pontardawe was sufficient, despite calls from residents and businesses for a dedicated banking hub.

In response, Ms Williams has compiled a detailed evidence pack including letters from local businesses, charities, councillors, residents and Pontardawe Town FC, challenging the practicality of LINK’s verdict. She argues that the assessment fails to reflect the “facts on the ground”, citing the town’s reliance on cash-based trade, limited public transport links to Neath, and the broader impact on surrounding communities such as Rhos, Clydach, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, Cwmllynfell and Ystalyfera.

While Lloyds has pledged to provide a Community Banker in Pontardawe, this service will be limited to fortnightly visits and will not handle transactions — a move Ms Williams says falls short of meeting local needs.

Sioned Williams said:

“When LINK assessed Pontardawe in the wake of the news that Lloyds Bank will close – the last bank in the Swansea Valley – they concluded that there were sufficient banking services nearby. This is a decision that I am still disputing after hearing the feelings aired in the public meeting I held, in ongoing conversations with residents and local businesses, and because this is my town and my bank.”

She added that many businesses operate on a cash-only basis and would be forced to close temporarily to travel to Neath for banking — a journey complicated by the infrequent 256 bus service, which runs fewer than ten times daily.

Sioned Williams said:

“While the people of Pontardawe and the wider area are under no illusions that financial services are changing, all they – and I – ask is that their request for a banking hub be given proper and full consideration with appropriate attention paid to the facts on the ground.”

The campaign to retain banking services in Pontardawe has gained momentum in recent months. In July, local MP Christina Rees wrote to the CEO of Lloyds Banking Group urging the bank to reconsider its decision to close the branch, citing the impact on vulnerable residents and small businesses. Ms Williams also previously criticised Lloyds’ response to community concerns as “deeply disappointing” and lacking in meaningful engagement.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

MP calls on Lloyds CEO to halt closure of Pontardawe branch
Christina Rees MP urges Lloyds to reconsider closure plans amid community backlash.

Senedd member speaks out on “deeply disappointing” Lloyds response on Pontardawe bank closure
Sioned Williams MS criticises lack of engagement and calls for better consultation.

#ATM #bankClosure #banking #cashpoint #Clydach #Cwmllynfell #GwaunCaeGurwen #Link #LloydsBank #Pontardawe #Rhos #SionedWilliamsMS #SwanseaValley #Ystalyfera

Funding boost pledged for Swansea Men’s Sheds

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where men and women from all backgrounds can meet, chat and take part in the shed’s activities.

To date Swansea Council says it has invested more than £100,000 to support the network with the number of sheds increasing from single figures to more than 20 in just four years.

A further £25,000 is available this year and groups can now apply by visiting swansea.gov.uk/SupportForMensSheds with a closing date of Sunday June 8.

The funding can be used for both capital and revenue aspects of projects and the grants are open to new groups and those that have been assisted in the past.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Alyson Anthony, said: “Men’s Sheds have a really positive impact on health, well-being and in reducing social isolation by drawing on the wealth of skills and experience that exists within our communities.

“I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of these groups in Swansea to see the life-changing impact they can have on those involved, both men and women.

“I would urge any groups that may qualify to get in touch, whether they are established or just getting started, as our Tackling Poverty team are available for a friendly chat and advice about the opportunities for support that are available.”

There is no minimum or maximum amount set for applications, however it is anticipated the average grants will be up to £1,200.

The Old Blacksmiths in Clydach (pictured top) is among those to have secured funding in the past and said the impact of Men’s Sheds can be life changing.

“We have an 89-year-old who has been coming to the Shed since we opened. He has recently said that he would be lost without the Shed. He lives on his own and is always the first to arrive, ready to start or finish a project. He has made wonderful friends and life is worth living again after losing his wife,” said a spokeswoman.

A regular at the Gateway to Gower Community Shed added: “I really enjoy coming to the shed as I get to chat and meet lovely people with different talents and we all help each other experience new hobbies. It is a real community event which is so important. It gets me out of the house and having the delicious food is a real bonus. You can see it lifts people’s spirits just getting together and making things.”

#Clydach #funding #Gower #MenSShed #SwanseaCouncil

Swansea takeaways fined for selling ‘unsafe food’

The Council is now urging restaurants and fast-food outlets in Swansea to take allergies linked to certain food ingredients more seriously.

The call to businesses in the city follows action taken by Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Team, which has seen three food business owners fined by Swansea Magistrates in March this year.

Trading Standards carried out a series of test purchase exercises in early 2024. Posing as customers, they placed food orders with a number of restaurants and takeaways, declaring they were allergic to specific food ingredients, including milk, gluten and egg, and asked the businesses to reassure them that their order did not contain those ingredients.

Some of the businesses contacted as part of the test purchase exercise made declarations that the requested food did not contain specific ingredients and were safe for consumption.

Owners at Killay Spice in Killay, Clydach Kebab House and Townhill Spice, have all been fined after pleading guilty to the offence of Placing on the Market unsafe food.

Killay Spice owner, Mr Tafozul Ahmed of Gower Road, was fined £3,000 and was required to pay a surcharge of £1,200 and costs of £2084.

Mr Evren Bozkurt of Clydach Fast Food Ltd (Clydach Kebab House) was fined £200, with an additional surcharge and costs of £2,144.

Mr Abdul Kabir of Townhill Spice Ltd was fined £500 with a surcharge and costs of £2,146.

In the UK, approximately two million people, including children, have a food allergy and the most severe reactions to the consumption of food the person is allergic too, could prove fatal.

The latest research by the Imperial College of London shows that in the UK, approximately 10 deaths occur each year as a result of allergens.

David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Corporate Service and performance, said: “Some food businesses in the city are still not doing what is expected of them in relation to allergens and keeping consumers safe.

“Food allergies can be very serious for a small percentage of people and if they inform a food business they are allergic to specific ingredients, they need to have confidence that the business they are dealing with will keep them safe.

“Trading Standards are continuing to work with food businesses, providing advice and training in relation to allergies. This latest action is part of an ongoing sampling exercise. 

“Hopefully, the latest action taken against local food businesses that are putting people at risk, will send out a strong message to other restaurants and takeaways, that they need to be more responsible or they will risk similar enforcement action.”

In March this year, the Food Standards Agency published new best practice allergy guidance for food businesses that sell non-prepacked food, such as restaurants and takeaways.

The guidance helps food businesses provide written allergy information to consumers with food allergies and intolerances, to help them make safe and informed choices.

#allergens #Clydach #foodDrink #foodSafety #Killay #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #takeaway #Townhill #TradingStandards

Life sentence for Swansea triple killer found guilty of brutally murdering 71-year-old neighbour

Whitelock, 57, from Clydach, was previously jailed for life in 2001 after battering a man to death with an axe handle and setting fire to his body. The flames also killed his own brother, who was sleeping at the time.

At the time, he was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years imprisonment.

The Parole Board originally released him in December 2018 where he moved in opposite Ms Buckney.

In December 2020 he returned to prison after being convicted of assaulting a shop worker in a Co-op store in Swansea. The following October he was released for a second time.

Whitelock, then went on to kill her at her flat in August 2022, before denying murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

However, in November he was found guilty of murder. He has today been handed a whole-life tariff – meaning he will never walk free.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Davies said:

“We are pleased that Brian Whitelock has been given a full-life tariff, which is a fitting sentence due to the countless lives that have been destroyed because of his actions.

“Despite his past, Brian Whitelock received nothing but kindness from his neighbour Wendy Buckney. He repaid this kindness by carrying out her senseless murder.

“The level of violence Brian Whitelock enacted upon his defenceless victim was sickening.

“Defending himself in court, Brian Whitelock’s aim was to distance himself from his actions, but the reality is that he was well-aware what he was doing.

“Wendy Buckney’s family has been through an unimaginable amount of pain and heartbreak because of the actions of Brian Whitelock. I hope, because of today’s sentencing, that they can finally feel closure, and can begin grieving the loss of Wendy.”

In a statement read out on her behalf, Ms Buckney’s sister Anne said:

“The way in which her life was taken we will never understand and we cannot or will ever accept,” she said.

She said Whitelock had robbed the family of their sister, auntie and friend and that there would “always be an empty void”.

“We can never move on from this. However, we just want justice for our sister and our auntie,” she added.

“He has taken the life of his friend, the person who never did him any wrong.

“Wendy’s own fault was to care too much and believe everyone deserved a second chance.”

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

#BrianWhitelock #Clydach #murder #WendyBuckney

Residents of Clydach and the surrounding areas can help the school win a playground with a frame made of 100% recycled materials – including recycled plastic food storage containers and lids, as well as reusable plastic water bottles and caps by bringing this used waste to the school’s public collection point

The Sistema Recycled Playground Contest is running from 12th September until 18th December 2024 and the school that collects the most amount of plastic food storage containers and lids, as well as reusable plastic water bottles and caps, in that time will be crowned the winner.

The recycled playground will comprise of two slides, an approach ramp with rope and a large joining platform amongst other features. 

Additionally, the winning and runner-up school will also both win a Sistema lunchbox and water bottle for each pupil. The winners will be announced in January 2025.

The school collection box, located at the main entrance is open to the public between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Kevin Davies from YGG Gellionnen  School commented:

“We’re thrilled to be participating in this great contest from Sistema and we are calling on all members of the Clydach community to help us be in with a chance of winning a brand-new playground with a frame made from 100% recycled waste.

“Simply bring any used food storage containers and lids, as well as reusable plastic water bottles and caps, to the drop-off location collection box at the main entrance between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

“This really is a great initiative that will not only help our school, which is in desperate need of a new playground but also our environment, whilst educating our pupils and the local community on the importance of recycling.

“We also collect on TerraCycle’s school cycled plastic tops programs so please feel free to drop off these types of waste to our public access collection point too!”

YGG Gellionnen School will be able to monitor the amount of waste they have sent in for recycling and their efforts in the contest through a leaderboard on the Sistema® contest page on the TerraCycle website, which is updated on a monthly basis.

To find out more about the contest, or to view the full T&Cs, please click here for more detail

[Lead image: YGG Gellionnen School]

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/10/20/local-school-appealing-for-community-backing-in-competition-as-they-seek-a-prize-playground-made-totally-out-of-recycled-materials/

#Clydach #SistemaRecycledPlaygroundContest #Sustainability #YGGGellionnenSchool

More than 800 horseshoes have been used to create a life-size sculpture of a horse, which now stands proudly along a section of the Swansea Canal in the community of Clydach.

Horses were used to tow barges along canals throughout the UK for hundreds of years and as late as the 1960s.

The incredible piece of art is the work of sculpture Ollie Holman, who was commissioned by Swansea Council to create the piece.

The latest artwork to be unveiled in Swansea is part of the Welsh Government Active Travel Placemaking programme, which aims to add interesting, historic references to the past, along sections of previously completed active travel walking and cycling routes.

The Council previously completed a 1.5km-long section of walking and cycling route along the canal towpath in Clydach and families have been enjoying the upgraded path since its completion in 2022.

Andrew Stevens, the council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure said: “Whilst Clydach has seen changes over the years, the canal has remained a constant feature, linking both industry and the community. We’ve recently completed work to upgrade the towpath along the canal, providing excellent walking and cycling facilities. The new sculpture will hopefully further enhance the experience for path users.

“New walking and cycling routes are continuing to be developed throughout Swansea, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to travel in a sustainable and healthy way. 

“Whilst it is important to continue developing new infrastructure for walking and cycling, it is also important to celebrate the past and create points of interest along these routes for the public to enjoy.”

Artist Ollie Holman said: “I’ve been working with metal from a young age, and over the years, I’ve created many pieces. But this one holds special meaning for me.  

“As a boy, I spent countless hours along the waterways, always finding peace and inspiration in their calm. To now have one of my works standing here, for others to enjoy, fills me with joy.”

The newly installed sculpture is located along the canal, adjacent to the Men’s Shed

Ollie added: “I wanted the sculpture to convey the history of the area in an inspiring way. I like to create intrigue with my work, in the hope that people will look closer to investigate and wonder about why it’s there and what it invokes.”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/10/04/life-size-horse-sculpture-installed-along-swansea-canal/

#Art #Clydach #featured #sculpture #Swansea #SwanseaCanal #SwanseaCouncil