Gorseinon man jailed for 19 years for murder of five-month-old baby Jensen-Lee

Thomas Morgan, 29, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court today after a jury unanimously found him guilty earlier this month of murdering the defenceless baby at a home on Players Avenue, Clydach, on 30 March 2024.

Jensen-Lee died the following day in his mother’s arms after life support was withdrawn at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Morgan was also convicted of one count of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Baby Jensen‑Lee Dougal, pictured in a family photo. His loved ones described him as a happy, smiling little boy.
(Image: Family handout)

In a powerful victim impact statement read to the court, Jensen-Lee’s mother Jordan said her life has been “permanently changed” by overwhelming grief, trauma and emotional pain.

“Jensen-Lee was just five months old when his life was taken. He was completely innocent and entirely dependent on the adults around him to keep him safe,” Jordan said.

“I never had the chance to hear Jensen-Lee say he loved me. I will never hear him call me ‘mammy’. I will never see him take his first steps, speak his first words, start school, or grow into the person he was meant to be. Those moments were not just lost – they were taken.

“Due to what Thomas Morgan did, I have also received a life sentence, but mine is one of grief.

“Jensen-Lee will never be forgotten. I love you, Jensen-Lee.”

The court heard during the four-week trial that Morgan had been alone with Jensen-Lee whilst the baby’s mother was at work when he subjected the infant to violent shaking that left him with catastrophic brain injuries, multiple fractures and internal bleeding.

Hours before the attack, Morgan had been embroiled in a foul-mouthed, 90-minute text row with an ex-girlfriend — messages so abusive he sent them even whilst driving with the sleeping baby in the back seat.

Prosecutors said Morgan was “full of rage” when he attacked Jensen-Lee. Medical experts told the jury the injuries were among the worst they had ever seen and could not be explained by choking, rough play or resuscitation attempts. They were consistent only with violent shaking.

Jurors were shown what prosecutors called “horrific and unforgettable” CCTV of Morgan carrying a limp Jensen-Lee out of the house. Neighbours rushed to help, performing CPR whilst waiting for paramedics.

Emergency crews managed to briefly restore a pulse before the baby was rushed to hospital, but despite the efforts of medical teams, Jensen-Lee died the following day.

Morgan claimed the baby had choked on sick and that he shook him “gently” in panic. He also claimed he couldn’t call 999 because of a broken phone speaker.

But prosecutor Caroline Rees KC said Morgan had “spun a web of lies and deceit” to cover up what he had done.

Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees from South Wales Police said the sentencing brings justice for the terrible crime.

“With today’s sentencing, we finally have justice for the terrible crime carried out by Thomas Morgan upon a defenceless baby boy,” DCI Rees said.

“Thomas Morgan may now finally and rightfully be going to prison, but this will do little to alleviate the grief experienced by Jensen-Lee’s family, and especially his mother Jordan, who placed her trust into her then-partner Thomas Morgan to take care of Jensen-Lee, only to experience the ultimate betrayal.

“I want to pay tribute to the members of the public, first responders and everyone involved in the desperate efforts to save Jensen-Lee’s life, when faced with the most unimaginable and tragic circumstances back in March 2024. I also want to acknowledge the incredible dignity and strength shown by Jensen-Lee’s family throughout this painful journey.

“Lastly, I would like to thank the investigation team, Crown Prosecution Service and Prosecution Counsel for their continued hard work throughout what has been a very difficult investigation and trial.”

Morgan, of Penyrheol Road, Gorseinon, showed no emotion in the dock when the verdicts were delivered on 10 February. Cries rang out from the public gallery as the jury foreman announced the unanimous guilty verdicts.

Judge Mrs Justice Stacey thanked the jury for their service in what she called “the saddest of all cases”, and praised the neighbours and medical staff who fought to save the baby.

Morgan was cleared of two further GBH charges relating to older rib fractures.

#Clydach #featured #Gorseinon #murder #sentencing #SouthWalesPolice #SwanseaCrownCourt

SWANSEA: Council announces £11m investment in play areas and wheeled sports facilities

The investment was highlighted during a visit by Dawn Bowden, Welsh Government Minister for Children and Social Care, to Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach, which has benefited from both schemes.

£8m Play Area Programme Since Pandemic

The council says it has invested around £8 million in creating or refurbishing over 80 community play areas since 2021. The project was supported by an additional £5 million in Welsh Government funding this year to help create inclusive and accessible play spaces, according to the council.

At Coed Gwilym Park, the funding has helped secure a wheelchair seesaw and a wheelchair trampoline, which are currently under construction. A new natural play area and a zipwire are also being added.

Children enjoying the new play equipment at Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach, which has been upgraded as part of Swansea Council’s £8 million play area investment programme. Image: Swansea Council

Welsh Government Minister Dawn Bowden said:

“It was great to visit Coed Gwilym Park and see how the local authority has been listening to the voices of children in developing play spaces. These improvements, supported by Welsh Government funding, will make a real difference to children and their families, providing opportunities to play and be active with friends.”

Welsh Government Minister for Children and Social Care Dawn Bowden (background left) and Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Community Services Cllr Hayley Gwilliam (background right) with local schoolchildren at the upgraded play area at Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach. Image: Swansea Council

Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the programme was inspired by the pandemic.

“When we came out of the pandemic, the council made a commitment to modernise community play areas that’s seen more than 80 of them improved over the last five years. It means no child is far from a local, safe place to play outdoors with their friends.”

£3m Wheeled Sports Investment

The council has also announced a £3 million investment to upgrade facilities for BMX, skateboarding, and other wheeled sports.

New plans announced by the council include:

  • Coed Gwilym Park, Clydach: Dirt track and jumps
  • Coed Bach Park, Pontarddulais: Dirt track
  • Morriston Park: Pump track
  • Heol Las Park, Birchgrove: Pump track
  • Maesteg Park, St Thomas: Pump track
  • Ynystawe Park: Skate park
  • SA1 Prince of Wales Docks: Pump track
  • A new regional skate park (location to be confirmed)

The council says upgrade work has already been completed on a new skatepark at Coed Bach in Pontarddulais and a skatepark at Parc Melin Mynach in Gorseinon.

Cai Bosch, Manager of the West French Skate Shop in Mumbles at Mumbles Skatepark (Image: Rob Kenning)

Cllr Andrew Stevens said:

“We’re determined to make Swansea one of the best places in Wales for wheeled sports, and today’s announcement of further new locations shows the scale of our ambition. Our long-term aim is to create a connected, inclusive and high-quality network of wheeled sports facilities that support healthier lifestyles, youth engagement and stronger communities across Swansea.”

A public forum to discuss the plans will be held at the Guildhall on Wednesday, February 25, from 5pm to 6.30pm, according to the council.

Hayley Gwilliam, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said:

“The feedback we’ve had from children, their families and communities has been tremendous. The investment is one of the largest and most sustained commitments to outdoor play areas of this kind anywhere in the UK.”

#BMX #CllrAndrewStevens #CllrHayleyGwilliam #Clydach #CoedBachPark #CoedGwilymPark #DawnBowdenMS #Gorseinon #HeolLasPark #MaestegPark #MorristonPark #ParcMelinMynach #Parks #playground #playgroundUpgrade #Pontarddulais #PrinceOfWalesDock #pumpTrack #SkatePark #skatepark #StThomas #Swansea #YnystawePark

WIZARDS OF CLYDACH: Councillors step into limelight to save village panto after community council axe

Matthew Bailey, Gordon Walker, and Brigitte Rowlands, who all represent the Clydach ward as independent councillors, will revive the once-popular show this weekend. And two of them—Councillors Bailey and Walker—will go one step further and star in it!

Councillor Walker has taken the courageous step of agreeing to play the lion, while Councillor Bailey showed some brains by playing the scarecrow.

A Community Tradition Under Threat

Clydach, in the lower Swansea Valley, enjoyed a run of sold-out pantos between 2016 and 2024 before the community council, unfortunately, decided to bring the curtain down for good.

The amateur productions, staged in the village’s community hall and played out by people from the village, were always well attended, bringing the community together. They were quite the family affairs, with the scripts written by former journalist Geraint Thomas, his one-time West End actress sister Bethan Cunningham directing, and their mother Beryl Thomas making the costumes.

Now the show returns—thanks to the councillors’ support—with The Wizard of Oz!

‘We’re Not in Clydach Anymore’

Packed with local references, including “I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Clydach anymore” and the famous yellow brick road hit by potholes and a 20mph speed limit, it promises to be one of the best yet.

The show opens on Friday (February 20) evening, with two performances on Saturday, including a matinee, and an evening performance on Sunday. Tickets for the matinee and Sunday are being offered free for local community groups.

The rest of the cast is made up of Euan Renesto, Hayley Davies-Jones, Gemma Lawerence, Ian Whitehurst, Ellie McGuire, and Milly Cunningham—all with Clydach connections.

‘Hundreds Have Asked What’s Happening’

As a former chair of Clydach Community Council, Councillor Bailey has been involved from the start.

Councillor Matthew Bailey said:

“For over seven years, since 2016, we’ve been proud to bring a traditional community pantomime to Clydach. In a time when many families have to travel to large theatres and pay large prices for festive entertainment, we were incredibly lucky to have something special right here in our village. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the current community council decided that it wasn’t something they wanted to continue. So, we stepped in.”

He added:

“We have been approached by so many people, asking what’s happening to the pantomime, literally hundreds have asked. This year, me, Brigitte and Gordon got together and said, ‘Why don’t we use some of our community budget to help pay for it?’ The tickets sales don’t always cover the full cost, so we agreed to cover any shortfall.”

‘She Laughed from Start to Finish’

Councillor Bailey was keen to praise his fellow cast members and those behind the scenes, recalling a particularly poignant moment from a previous production.

Councillor Bailey said:

“We’ll never forget the three sisters who came along one year and sat together at the back. After the show, they told us one of them had terminal cancer—and she had laughed from start to finish. Moments like that remind us exactly why we do this.”

Councillor Gordon Walker said:

“The village has lost quite a lot over the past few years, due to one reason or another, and the panto has always been popular and brought the community together—even if they do laugh at me on stage making a fool of myself! I give the script writer, Geraint, nightmares forgetting his lines but that just adds to the fun—he even writes jokes in about me not being able to act or learn my lines!”

Councillor Brigitte Rowlands said:

“It’s of huge community benefit. It’s very good for people’s wellbeing and nice for people to get out, enjoy and have a bit of a laugh. It’s nice to see locals involved in it, someone local has written it—it’s just an all-round local event for the community.”

She is not tempted to tread the boards with her colleagues, however. “I think Broadway is waiting for them!” she joked.

How to Get Tickets

Tickets are still available from Clydach Pantomime – The Wizard Of Oz on Eventbrite. Tickets for the Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening performances are being offered to local clubs and groups for free—just get in touch with Matthew, Brigitte, or Gordon.

#CllrBrigitteRowlands #CllrGordonWalker #CllrMatthewBailey #Clydach #ClydachCommunityCouncil #GeraintThomas #panto #pantomime #WizzardOfOz

Craigfelen Primary praised by Estyn for strong community and creative teaching

Inspectors visited the school last term and have now published their findings. They say leaders have built a culture where pupils feel they belong, behave well and show positive attitudes to learning. Staff were praised for working closely together to strengthen teaching across the school.

Creative learning and strong support for pupils

The report highlights Craigfelen’s creative provision as a standout feature. Inspectors say pupils take pride in dance, drama and music, and that these activities help them grow in confidence and work well together.

Pupils with additional learning needs benefit from well‑planned support and strong links with specialist professionals. The school’s community hub — The Cwtch — was also singled out for boosting well‑being and aspiration.

Teachers plan a broad, engaging curriculum that sparks curiosity. Estyn says staff use strong subject knowledge to help pupils become confident speakers and writers, while regular Welsh‑language sessions support vocabulary and pronunciation. Pupils also make effective use of digital tools to research and present their work.

‘A caring, ambitious community’

Alison Williams, headteacher, Craigfelen Primary, said the school was delighted with the findings.

“We are proud that Estyn has recognised the caring, ambitious community we have built at Craigfelen and that everyone contributes to this success.”

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education said the report showed Craigfelen is a safe, supportive and creative environment where pupils thrive, congratulating staff and pupils on the outcome.

#Clydach #CraigfelinPrimarySchool #education #Estyn #EstynReport #SwanseaCouncil

‘Rage‑filled’ stepdad guilty of murdering five‑month‑old baby Jensen‑Lee in Clydach

Thomas Morgan, 29, showed no emotion in the dock as a jury at Swansea Crown Court unanimously convicted him of murdering little Jensen‑Lee Dougal — a baby described by his devastated family as “happy”, “smiley” and adored by everyone who knew him.

Cries rang out from the public gallery as the verdicts were delivered at the end of a harrowing four‑week trial.

A baby left in his care — and a fit of rage that turned deadly

Morgan was alone with Jensen‑Lee on 30 March 2024 while the baby’s mother, Jordan Dougal, was at work. Hours earlier, he had been embroiled in a foul‑mouthed, 90‑minute text row with an ex‑girlfriend — messages so abusive the court heard he sent them even while driving with the sleeping baby in the back seat.

Prosecutors said Morgan was “full of rage” when he subjected Jensen‑Lee to a violent shaking that left the infant with catastrophic brain injuries, multiple fractures and internal bleeding.

The injuries were so severe that expert witnesses told the court they were among the worst they had ever seen.

CCTV showed Morgan carrying a “limp and lifeless” baby

Jurors were shown what prosecutors called “horrific and unforgettable” CCTV of Morgan carrying a limp Jensen‑Lee out of the house on Players Avenue, Clydach.

Neighbours rushed to help, performing CPR while waiting for paramedics. Emergency crews managed to briefly restore a pulse before the baby was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Despite the efforts of medical teams, Jensen‑Lee died the following day — 31 March — in his mother’s arms after life‑support was withdrawn.

Morgan’s story unravelled in court

Morgan claimed the baby had choked on sick and that he shook him “gently” in panic. He also claimed he couldn’t call 999 because of a broken phone speaker.

But medical experts told the jury the injuries could not be explained by choking, rough play or resuscitation attempts. They were consistent only with violent shaking.

Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC said Morgan had “spun a web of lies and deceit” to cover up what he had done.

Baby Jensen‑Lee Dougal, pictured in a family photo. His loved ones described him as a happy, smiling little boy.
(Image: Family handout)

“The saddest of all cases”

Judge Mrs Justice Stacey thanked the jury for their service in what she called “the saddest of all cases”, and praised the neighbours and medical staff who fought to save the baby.

Morgan, of Penyrheol Road, Gorseinon, was also found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was cleared of two further GBH charges relating to older rib fractures.

Detectives pay tribute after ‘heartbreaking’ case

Detectives said the verdict offers “some measure of justice” after what they called unimaginable heartbreak.

Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees from South Wales Police said:

“Today’s conviction brings some measure of justice, but in no way eases the profound heartbreak Jenson-Lee’s family continue to endure.

“I want to pay tribute to the members of the public, first responders and everyone involved in the desperate efforts to save Jenson-Lee’s life, when faced with the most unimaginable and tragic circumstances back in March 2024. I also want to acknowledge the incredible dignity and strength shown by Jenson-Lee’s family throughout this painful journey.

“Lastly, I would like to thank the investigation team, Crown Prosecution Service and Prosecution Counsel for their continued hard work throughout what has been a very difficult investigation and trial.”

Morgan will be sentenced on 25 February, and has already been told he will receive a life sentence. The only question now is how long he must serve before he can apply for parole.

#Clydach #featured #Gorseinon #murder

Three Swansea men jailed after late‑night revenge arson attack sparked by business fallout

A garage boss, his employee and a long‑time friend have been jailed after a months‑long feud over money escalated into a violent assault and a planned arson attack in Swansea Vale.

A business relationship that turned sour

Police say the trouble began when 44‑year‑old garage owner Gareth Charles, from Morriston, fell out with a former employee over money owed to the business.

What started as a workplace dispute soon turned personal. On 13 May 2025, Charles spotted the man in the street and confronted him. Without warning, he punched him in the face, leaving him bleeding. Officers later described the assault as the first sign of a “revenge‑driven” escalation.

The victim stopped all contact with Charles after the assault — but the resentment didn’t end there.

Car torched outside home in late‑night attack

Four months later, just before midnight in September, the victim’s car — parked outside his home in Swansea Vale — suddenly burst into flames.

Neighbours reported seeing an unidentified man sprinting away from the scene as the fire took hold. The blaze destroyed the vehicle and left residents shocked at the level of escalation.

Detectives quickly arrested Charles. When they examined his mobile phone, they uncovered a series of messages revealing a conspiracy with two other men:

  • 32‑year‑old Mathew Membury, from Pentrechwyth
  • 47‑year‑old Gareth Rowe, from Clydach

The messages showed the men discussing how the attack would be carried out, including who would be involved and how the fire would be set.

Police say the trio were clearly aware of the risks, with the arson taking place on a residential street close to homes and parked vehicles.

Messages expose the plot

The phone evidence linked all three men to the plan, with discussions about roles, timing and the method of attack. Officers said the messages left little doubt that the fire was a deliberate act of revenge.

All three were charged with conspiring to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered. Charles also faced an additional charge for the earlier assault.

Jail sentences for all three men

All three defendants pleaded guilty.

  • Gareth Charles, 44, was jailed for 36 months for the arson conspiracy, plus two months for the assault.
  • Mathew Membury, 32, was jailed for 32 months.
  • Gareth Rowe, 47, was jailed for 30 months.

Each man will serve up to half their sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Police: “A stupid and reckless plot”

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Holding, South Wales Police, said:

“This was a stupid and reckless plot to take revenge on a former employee over a monetary grievance.

“The senseless actions of Charles, Membury and Rowe could have got somebody seriously injured, and they will have known this when they were committing the offence.

“They should think long and hard about their actions during their time in prison.”

A neighbourhood left shaken

Police say the attack could easily have caused serious harm, with the fire taking place close to homes where families were sleeping.

Officers described the plot as “dangerous, reckless and entirely avoidable”, adding that the case shows how quickly a personal dispute can escalate into criminal violence.

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#Arson #Clydach #Morriston #Pentrechwyth #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #SwanseaVale

Wife and lover jailed for 19 years each after plotting to murder her husband in armed caravan ambush

Michelle Mills and Geraint Berry, both 46, were sentenced after a jury found them guilty of conspiracy to murder Christopher Mills, Michelle’s husband of ten years. The case exposed months of planning, chilling discussions about how to kill him, and a final ambush that only failed because the victim fought back.

A plot to clear the way for an affair

The court heard that Mills and Berry had been in a secret relationship for several months and were desperate to remove Mr Mills from their lives. Detectives uncovered messages showing the pair discussing a range of ways to kill him, from poisoning him in his sleep to staging a shooting or causing his car to explode. The intention, police said, was to make his death look like a suicide so they could continue their relationship without suspicion.

Two failed attempts before the caravan attack

Investigators found that the pair had already made two aborted attempts to attack Mr Mills in late August 2024. Berry injured his knee during one of the failed raids, but the planning continued. Messages between the pair showed Mills encouraging Berry and reassuring him that she would make sure her husband was vulnerable when the time came.

The night the plot came to life

The final attempt took place on 20 September 2024 at a caravan in Cenarth, Ceredigion, where Mills and her husband were staying. Mills encouraged Mr Mills to drink so he would fall asleep, while Berry messaged her moments before he and a second man, Steven Thomas, burst into the caravan wearing masks and carrying imitation firearms.

Despite being beaten, Mr Mills fought back and managed to raise the alarm. Armed officers, dog units and the police helicopter were deployed, and Berry and Thomas were found hiding in nearby undergrowth. Mills herself dialled 999, pretending to be an innocent bystander with no idea why her husband had been targeted.

A fake suicide note and a web of lies

When officers searched Berry and Thomas, they found gas masks, imitation firearms and a typed suicide note purporting to be from Mr Mills. Detectives said this discovery changed the entire direction of the investigation, revealing that the attack was not a random burglary but a planned killing.

Mills continued to deny any involvement, insisting she had no idea why her husband had been attacked. But digital forensic work quickly linked her to Berry and exposed the affair, along with months of messages discussing how to kill her husband. Officers said she never once tried to stop the plot — her only concern was not being caught.

Composite image of Michelle Mills and Geraint Berry, who were both found guilty of conspiracy to murder. (Image: Dyfed‑Powys Police)

“Cold and calculated” – detective condemns pair’s lack of remorse

Detective Inspector Sam Gregory said the case had been one of the most disturbing his team had dealt with, describing Mills and Berry as “cold and calculated individuals” who had shown “no remorse for the devastation they caused.”

He said the dramatic twists of the case should not distract from the reality that Christopher Mills’ life was genuinely at risk.

DI Gregory said:

“It is easy to get carried away by the dramatic details in this case, with its many twists and turns, and to forget that there is a victim behind the sensational headlines and lurid media stories.”

He added that the betrayal at the heart of the plot was almost as shocking as the violence itself.

“Mr Mills’ life was truly at risk, and the person he should have been able to trust the most was behind the plans to harm him.”

The detective said the pair had never accepted responsibility for what they had done.

“Despite their not guilty pleas, and claims that the plots to kill Mr Mills were just fabrications, the evidence showed that Mills and Berry’s conspiracy was very real and that there had been multiple attempts to bring their plots to fruition.”

He said the investigation had revealed a level of planning and persistence that left officers in no doubt about the pair’s intentions.

“I believe both Mills and Berry are cold and calculated individuals, who have shown no remorse for their actions despite the devastation they have caused.”

Sentences handed down

Mills and Berry were each jailed for 19 years for conspiracy to murder. Thomas, who had earlier admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, was sentenced to 12 months — time already served on remand.

DI Gregory said he hoped the sentencing would allow Mr Mills to begin rebuilding his life after what he described as an “unimaginable” ordeal.

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#Clydach #conspiracyToMurder #DyfedPowysPolice #firearms #gasMasks #Llangennech #Llwynhendy #murder #murderPlot

Full fibre broadband rollout begins in Clydach

Openreach says the rollout will give residents access to faster and more reliable internet, with speeds capable of supporting multiple devices and high‑bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming and video calls.

The company says the build will reach the majority of properties in Clydach, although some disruption is expected as engineering teams install new poles, ducts and fibre cables. Where possible, Openreach says it will use existing infrastructure to minimise roadworks and street furniture.

Martin Williams, Openreach’s Partnership Director for Wales, said:

“We’re bringing full fibre broadband to Clydach and letting local people know what to expect. This is a major infrastructure upgrade, so there will be more engineering teams, equipment and vans around town, and we’re working hard to keep disruption to a minimum.”

He added that the company is aiming to reduce its environmental impact during the rollout, as part of its wider sustainability strategy.

Residents can check availability and register for updates via the Openreach website as the build progresses.

Openreach’s full fibre network currently reaches more than 20 million properties across the UK. The company plans to extend this to 25 million by the end of 2026, and says it could reach 30 million by 2030 depending on investment conditions.

#broadband #clydach #fullFibreBroadband #internet #openreach #streaming #ultrafastFibreBroadband

Pair guilty of conspiracy to murder after armed caravan attack

A woman and her lover have been convicted of conspiracy to murder following a violent attack on a caravan in Cenarth, Ceredigion.

Michelle Mills, 46, of Llangennech, Llanelli, and Geraint Berry, 46, of Clydach, were found guilty at Swansea Crown Court after a two‑week trial. The court heard the pair had plotted to kill Mills’ husband, Christopher Mills, so they could continue their affair.

A third defendant, Steven Thomas, 47, also of Clydach, was cleared of conspiracy to murder but had earlier admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Armed raid on caravan

The case centred on events on 20 September 2024, when two masked men armed with guns forced their way into Mr Mills’ caravan. Despite being badly beaten, he managed to fight them off and raise the alarm.

Mills herself dialled 999, claiming two unknown men had attacked her husband. Armed officers, dog units and the police helicopter were deployed, and Berry and Thomas were soon found hiding in nearby undergrowth. Officers recovered gas masks and a fake suicide note addressed to Mills, purporting to have been written by her husband.

NPAS helicopter footage shows officers closing in on Geraint Berry and Steven Thomas in undergrowth near Cenarth. (Image: Dyfed‑Powys Police)

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Affair uncovered

Detectives quickly established that Mills and Berry had been in a secret relationship for around three months. Digital forensic work uncovered a series of messages between them discussing ways to kill Mr Mills, including poisoning him with sleeping tablets, arranging a shooting, or causing his car to explode.

In one exchange, Berry told Mills he was meeting “boys” to plan what to do with her husband. She replied: “Yes, lovely, thank you.” The only concern she expressed was that they should not get caught.

The pair had made two aborted attempts to attack Mr Mills in late August before the September raid. On the night of the attack, Mills encouraged her husband to drink so he would fall asleep, while Berry messaged her moments before bursting into the caravan.

After the failed assault, Mills texted Berry: “Police have been called get away, delete all communications … please on both phones … I love you.”

Michelle Mills being arrested at her home in Llanelli. (Image: Dyfed‑Powys Police)Geraint Berry pictured in the back of a police van following his arrest. (Image: Dyfed‑Powys Police)

Police response

Detective Inspector Sam Gregory of Dyfed‑Powys Police said digital evidence was crucial in proving the conspiracy.

“The communication between Mills and Berry made it clear that since the end of June 2024, the pair had embarked on a secret relationship. In a short period of time, Berry, encouraged by Mills, became increasingly occupied by hostile thoughts about her husband, and the pair had communicated a number of ways in which they could kill him.”

DI Gregory added that the discovery of gas masks and a fake suicide note showed the pair intended to stage Mr Mills’ death as a suicide.

A firearm recovered during the investigation, labelled as evidence. (Image: Dyfed‑Powys Police)Gas masks found in a rucksack during searches linked to the conspiracy. (Image: Dyfed‑Powys Police)The black rucksack in which gas masks were discovered by officers. (Image: Dyfed‑Powys Police)Cable ties recovered from a car linked to the defendants. (Image: Dyfed‑Powys Police)Drops of blood on the outside terrace of the static caravan where the attack took place. (Image: Dyfed‑Powys Police)

Verdicts and sentencing

Mills was arrested shortly after the attack and told officers: “I’m going to prison for this, aren’t I?”

Following the trial, Mills and Berry were convicted of conspiracy to murder. Thomas was acquitted of that charge but will be sentenced for the firearms offence.

DI Gregory said:

“While this case has all the makings of a TV drama, at the heart of it was a very real conspiracy to take someone’s life. Mills and Berry had plotted not one, not two, but three attempts to take Mr Mills’ life, and I have no doubt they would have continued had they not been caught that night.”

All three defendants will be sentenced on 19 December 2025.

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#armedPolice #caravan #caravanMurder #Cenarth #Ceredigion #Clydach #conspiracyToMurder #DyfedPowysPolice #fakeSuicideNote #featured #firearms #forensics #gasMasks #Llangennech #murder

Swansea Valley volunteers praised for keeping green spaces clean and beautiful

Keep Wales Tidy is celebrating the work of My Green Valley, a volunteer‑led organisation that has organised 78 community litter picks this summer alone, clocking up more than 300 hours and removing nearly 300 bags of rubbish.

Founded in 2019, the group has quickly become one of the most active clean‑up teams in south west Wales, covering parts of Neath Port Talbot and Clydach in Swansea. Their efforts have helped transform neglected areas, improve wildlife habitats and foster a renewed sense of pride in the community.

“They love where they live”

Steve Thomas, Secretary at My Green Valley, said:

“My Green Valley is a community organisation set up in 2019 to help keep our valley clean and free of litter. My Green Valley volunteers enjoy making a difference. They love where they live, being an active part of their community, and improving the environment.”

Phil Budd, Swansea Project Officer at Keep Wales Tidy, added:

“The work My Green Valley has done this summer is a brilliant example of community action at its best. Their commitment, consistency, and care for the environment have made a visible impact across the valley. It’s groups like this that show how local people can lead the way in protecting our shared spaces.”

Two My Green Valley volunteers clearing litter from the verge of a narrow country lane in the Swansea Valley.
(Image: Keep Wales Tidy)My Green Valley volunteers tackling litter on a steep hillside as part of their regular clean‑ups.
(Image: Keep Wales Tidy)

Regular litter picks across the valley

The group runs regular litter picks in communities across the Swansea Valley, including:

  • Pontardawe – every Sunday (Castle Hotel car park, 9am) and every Thursday (old Tawe Bridge near the Pontardawe Inn, 10am)
  • Alltwen – every other Friday (black bin day, Triangle, 11.30am)
  • Clydach – first Friday of the month (Forge Fach, 10am)
  • Trebanos – first Sunday of the month (rugby field, 9am)
  • Gwaun Cae Gurwen – last Sunday of the month (CK’s car park, 9am)
  • Ystalyfera – regular sessions announced on social media

How to get involved

Keep Wales Tidy says there are lots of ways for people across Swansea to play their part. Residents can join a local community group like My Green Valley, or borrow free litter‑picking equipment from their nearest Litter Picking Hub to do a tidy‑up in their own time.

The hubs and community clean‑up activities are part of a nationwide initiative funded by the Welsh Government. More details are available at keepwalestidy.cymru/get-involved/volunteering.

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