ARREST MADE: Teenager held over Ysgol Maesydderwen threats that sparked school shutdown

Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that the teenager, from Pontardawe, was taken into police custody on suspicion of sending digital communications conveying threats of death or serious harm, with the intent to cause fear.

His arrest follows an intense investigation by Dyfed Powys Police into the alarming messages that led to the Ystradgynlais school being shut down on February 27 and 28, according to the force.

The threats had a “profound impact” on pupils, parents, and staff, causing widespread disruption and anxiety, Dyfed Powys Police stated.

Powys Superintendent Gareth Grant extended his gratitude to the community for their support and patience during the challenging period.

“I’d firstly like to thank the parents, teachers, staff and the wider community, for the support and patience you have shown whilst we have carried out our enquiries in relation to this incident,” Superintendent Grant said.

He acknowledged the severe emotional toll the incident had taken, stating: “I understand this will have had a profound impact.”

Superintendent Grant also moved to reassure residents, confirming that Neighbourhood officers would maintain a visible presence in the area.

“Our Neighbourhood officers will maintain a local presence for reassurance, and we will continue to work with our local secondary schools, and partners, to ensure our local community are supported,” he added.

The school had previously been forced to close for a second day after a fresh threat emerged just hours after the initial incident.

Parents and guardians had been left scrambling for childcare arrangements as the school remained shut, with many expressing their concern over the safety of their children.

The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation, and Dyfed Powys Police expressed hope it would bring a sense of relief to the worried community.

Dyfed Powys Police have urged anyone with further information to contact them on 101, reiterating their commitment to supporting the community.

School to reopen after second threat in 24 hours forces two-day closure

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed that a second threat was received by the Ystradgynlais school in the form of an email on Monday evening.

It followed an initial telephone threat on Monday morning which led to the school being closed for the day.

The second threat meant the school remained closed today (Tuesday 3 March) while police enquiries continued.

However, following a review of the circumstances, the school has now decided to reopen on Wednesday 4 March.

Police have said there will be an increased presence in the area to provide reassurance to pupils, staff, and the local community.

Superintendent Gareth Grant said: “We understand this is a very unsettling time for the school’s pupils, teachers, parents and wider community.

“I want to reassure the public that there is no evidence to suggest any threat against any other schools or businesses in the local area.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of pupils and teachers at the school, and we are working closely with Powys County Council and the senior leaders at Ysgol Maesydderwen to this end.

“I want to thank the community for their understanding and patience while we carry out our enquiries. The impact of school closures on parents and carers cannot be underestimated, and I extend my thanks to everyone who has supported us to this point.”

Police have said they will continue to share more information as soon as they are able to.

Maesydderwen school closed for second day as police investigate telephone threat

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers would maintain a presence at the school as the investigation continues, and that no arrests have yet been made.

The school, which has more than 540 pupils from year seven to sixth form, was placed in lockdown on Monday morning after police received a report of a threat made over the telephone at around 10.45am.

A cordon was erected outside the school and multiple police vehicles remained at the scene throughout Monday afternoon, with pupils allowed to leave the site in small groups rather than all at once.

All pupils and staff were released safely on Monday afternoon. In an update issued on Monday evening, police said there was “no evidence of any ongoing risk to pupils or staff.”

However, a further development in the investigation overnight led to the decision to keep the school closed on Tuesday.

In a statement, police said: “Following a development in the investigation into a threat made over the phone in relation to Maesydderwen Comprehensive School, a decision has been made by the school not to reopen tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3).

“There will be a police presence at the school as officers continue to investigate, and we will provide updates whenever possible.”

Police added that patrols would be carried out in the coming days to provide reassurance to pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.

Parents and carers are being kept informed about the school’s reopening through the school app.

Powys County Council confirmed it was aware of the incident. School governor and local county councillor Susan McNicholas confirmed police were at the scene on Monday but was unable to provide further details at the time.

The school was placed in special measures — the highest level of Estyn monitoring — in January 2025, following an inspection that raised concerns about the quality of teaching and attendance.

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Powys man jailed after New Year’s Day bottle attack in Swansea nightclub

Swansea Crown Court heard that 27‑year‑old Craig Cole, from Ystradgynlais, struck the man several times after seeing him speak to his former partner on the stairs of the Plan B nightclub off The Kingsway.

The victim suffered four wounds to the top of his head, one of which had to be glued shut. He later told the court he was struggling to come to terms with the attack and that the thought of how much worse it could have been “stays with me”.

Cole pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and was jailed for 30 months.

Judge says defendant acted out of “insecure, sexual jealousy”

Judge Paul Thomas KC said Cole had shown “an excess of insecure, sexual jealousy” and attacked the man “simply because he had the temerity to talk to your ex‑partner”. He told Cole he needed to “grow up” and understand that women are not his property.

The court heard the victim had been out with friends on December 31 before ending up in Plan B. After a brief exchange with Cole’s former partner, Cole appeared and a confrontation followed. Several women stepped between the two men, but Cole reached over them and hit the victim repeatedly with a vodka bottle he had taken from his pocket.

When a member of security intervened, Cole pushed him away and struck the victim again as he tried to walk off.

Victim taken to hospital after “bloody” assault

The attack was reported to police and the victim was taken to hospital, where medics treated four separate head wounds. He said he remembered little of the incident other than seeing a bottle coming towards him and then receiving first aid inside the club.

A week later, Cole handed himself in at Swansea Central police station but answered “no comment” to all questions.

Previous convictions and “10 seconds of madness”

The court heard Cole has six previous convictions for nine offences, including criminal damage and common assault. One earlier incident also involved a male and an ex‑partner, during which Cole threw a brick through a window and injured the man inside.

His barrister said the nightclub incident was “10 seconds of madness” fuelled by jealousy, alcohol and a sense of being “disrespected”. He said Cole had written a letter to the court expressing remorse and that a former employer had described him as having a strong work ethic.

Police say jealousy was the motive

PC Matthew McGowan said:

Craig Cole is a young man who was clearly full of immense jealousy regarding any attention shown to his ex‑partner.

That jealousy caused him to become violent. His actions were completely unacceptable and could have caused lasting damage to the victim.

There was no other alternative outcome than for Cole to go to prison.

Cole will serve up to half his 30‑month sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Swansea man jailed after bottle attack on stranger made in jealous rage

Craig Cole, 27, exploded with rage at Swansea’s Plan B nightclub and struck his victim in the head with the makeshift weapon, leaving multiple open wounds in a bloody assault.

Brian Simpson, prosecuting, told the court that the complainant in the case spent the night of December 31, 2024, visiting bars in Swansea city centre with friends before ending up in the club just off the city centre’s Kingsway.

During the course of the night, the complainant encountered the former partner of Cole, from Pen-y-Bryn in Ystradgynlais, on the stairs of the club and spoke to her.

The court heard that Cole then stormed over, shoved aside bystanders trying to intervene, and rained blows on the man — even striking him again as he tried to walk away.

The attack was reported to the police and the complainant was taken to hospital where medics found four wounds to the top of his head, the largest of which had to be glued shut.

The court heard the victim can remember little of the incident, apart from seeing a bottle coming towards his head and then being given first aid in the club.

The prosecutor said that a week after the incident, Cole handed himself in to Swansea Central police station, where he subsequently answered “no comment” to all questions asked in the interview.

The court heard he had a history of jealous outbursts — including smashing a window and throwing a brick in a previous row over an ex.

Speaking at Swansea Crown Court, Judge Paul Thomas KC told Cole, “Women are not your property… this was nothing more than insecure, sexual jealousy.”

With a one-quarter discount for his guilty plea Cole was sentenced to 30 months in prison. He will serve up to half the sentence in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

Banking lifeline finally opens in Ystradgynlais after three‑year fight

After years without a single bank on the high street, Ystradgynlais residents can at last walk through the doors of a permanent banking hub. The new facility on Commercial Street is the result of a dogged three‑year campaign that saw locals, businesses and community leaders refuse to take “no” for an answer.

The town was left high and dry in 2023 when Lloyds shut its branch despite posting record profits. Public meetings followed, petitions were signed, and applications were lodged with LINK — the body that decides where hubs go. The first bid was rejected, but campaigners pushed back, challenging the data and dragging regulators to Ystradgynlais to see the need for themselves.

That persistence paid off. A temporary hub opened in May, and now a permanent site has been unveiled at 14 Commercial Street, SA9 1HD.

How the hub will serve the town

After years of being left without a single counter service, locals can now walk into the new Commercial Street hub and deal with real people again. Doors are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with different banks taking turns to staff the desks.

• Mondays bring Barclays back to town, giving customers face‑to‑face access that vanished when branches closed.
• Tuesdays are still waiting for a banker to be confirmed, but campaigners say it’s only a matter of time before another name is added.
• Midweek sees Lloyds return on Wednesdays, a striking turnaround after the bank pulled out of Ystradgynlais in 2023.
• HSBC takes the Thursday slot, offering services to residents who once had to travel miles for help.
• Fridays finish with Halifax on hand, rounding off the week with another big name back on the high street.

Victory after years of pressure

The fight to bring banking back to Ystradgynlais wasn’t easy. Applications were rejected, data was disputed, and regulators had to be shown around the town to see the need first‑hand.

At the opening, local MP David Chadwick called it “fantastic news for Ystradgynlais” and reflected on the long road to success:

“After months of pressure, rejected applications and persistent campaigning, including personally showing the Banking Hub regulator around our vibrant town, I’m delighted we’ve secured a permanent, long‑term hub on Commercial Street.

“I launched this campaign to make sure communities like Ystradgynlais and the surrounding area aren’t cut off from essential services.

“Securing a permanent Banking Hub is a major step in ensuring our towns remain supported, connected and able to thrive.

“I will continue pushing to ensure that facilities like this remain protected and that no community in our area is left behind.”

Senedd Member Jane Dodds also welcomed the news, adding:

“Access to banking is not a luxury; it is a necessity, particularly for older residents, small businesses, and those who rely on cash. This hub will make a real and lasting difference.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Lloyds Bank to close Ammanford and Gorseinon branches in 2026
Closures reignite calls for more banking hubs across South Wales.

New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon
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Temporary banking hub opens in Ystradgynlais
First step in restoring services before today’s permanent hub launch.

More stories from Ystradgynlais →
Browse the latest news and features from the town.

#bank #BankingHub #DavidChadwickMP #JaneDoddsMS #WelshLiberalDemocrats #Ystradgynlais #YstradgynlaisBankingHub

Kindle House aims to repeat Mary Portas success with 2025 Christmas Window

The recognition put the small Welsh business firmly in the spotlight, and this year’s unveiling comes with the joyful pressure of following up that success. The 2025 display will mark the 15th year of the tradition, with locals and visitors eager to see if Kindle House can wow the nation once again.

Owner Emma Purvis said last year’s award was a proud moment:

“Being recognised last year really meant a lot to us. We don’t try to go big for the sake of it, every year we create something we’re proud of and hope people of all ages enjoy it when they stop by.”

Festive unveiling and late‑night shopping

The new display will be revealed on Thursday 20 November, with the shop staying open until 7pm for late‑night Christmas shopping. Visitors between 5pm and 7pm will be treated to mince pies and mulled wine as part of the celebrations.

The Yard brings food and music

Festivities continue on Friday 21 November with the opening of The Yard — a decorated stretch tent offering festive nibbles such as loaded roast potatoes, stuffing fritters and honey mustard pigs in blankets. Acoustic singer‑songwriter Paul Evans will provide live music to add to the atmosphere.

Festive dining adds to the celebrations

Kindle House’s onsite restaurant The Stables is also joining in the festive spirit with a special Christmas menu. Diners can choose between two or three courses, with traditional trimmings included. The addition of festive food and drink rounds off what has become a much‑anticipated community tradition in Ystradgynlais.

For many residents, the Christmas Window unveiling signals the start of the season — and after last year’s national recognition, all eyes will be on Kindle House to see how this year’s display compares.

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Ystradgynlais man jailed for decade of child sexual abuse

Court case

Kerry James Price, 53, of Tan y Farteg, Ystradgynlais, was convicted of 15 sexual offences following a trial at Swansea Crown Court. The offending began when the victim was around five years old and continued into her teenage years.

Price, who previously ran computer repair shops in Ystradgynlais, Bridgend and Dunvant before working as an IT technician at Swansea University, denied all the allegations but was found guilty by a jury.

He was sentenced to an extended 14‑year term — comprising nine years in custody and a further five years on licence — and made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Pattern of abuse

The court heard how Price manipulated his victim with “games” before escalating to repeated sexual assaults. He also secretly took indecent photographs, including so‑called “upskirting” images, and was found with 25 indecent images of children on his phone, including Category A material.

The abuse came to light after the victim disclosed what had happened to her grandmother, who then informed her mother. Police arrested Price in August 2023.

Police statement

Detective Constable Stuart Sandy of South Wales Police said:

“Kerry Price showed no remorse at all for his actions, as is evidenced with his not guilty pleas. He thought he could get away with what he had done, but he was proven badly wrong.

He abused his victim for a period not far off a decade, starting when they were a young child. What he has done is sickening and will have been a horrendously traumatic experience for both the victim and her family. The victim and her family showed great strength by giving evidence at trial, compared to the defendant, whose defence the judge said, ‘at times bordered on the farcical’.

Prison is the right place for him, and it is great to see him get an extended sentence.”

Judge’s remarks

Sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas KC described Price’s behaviour as “utterly depraved” and said he had “not a scintilla of remorse”. He told the defendant he was motivated entirely by self‑interest, adding: “All you have is a deep well of self pity.”

Victim impact

In a statement read to the court, the victim described Price as a “child predator” who thrived on control and grooming. She said the abuse had robbed her of her childhood and left her constantly looking over her shoulder.

Related stories on child sex offences

Bridgend repeat sex offender jailed after more child abuse images discovered
A man from Bridgend was returned to prison after police found further indecent images of children on his devices, despite a previous conviction.

Morriston man jailed for historic child sex offences
A Morriston man was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court for offences dating back decades, after survivors bravely came forward to give evidence.

Swansea man jailed for sexual communication with who he thought was a 14‑year‑old girl
A Swansea man was caught in an undercover police operation after sending explicit messages to what he believed was a teenage girl.

Ystalyfera ‘determined paedophile’ jailed for meticulously planned sex offences against young girls
A Ystalyfera man was jailed after a court heard how he carefully planned and carried out sexual offences against children, described by police as “predatory”.

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