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Monday, October 31, 2016

Cynon Valley,South Wales - Live updates as man who admitted murdering his mother with a chainsaw is sentenced

A murder investigating was launched in Ystrad Mynach after the body of Iris Owens was discovered
The body of Iris Owens was found in Nelson Street, Ystrad Mynach, on May 3

Robert Owens pleaded guilty to murdering his mother Iris Owens, whose body was found in Nelson Street, Ystrad Mynach, in May

A 47-year-old man is due to be sentenced today after admitting the murder of his mother.
Robert Owens, from the Cynon Valley , entered the guilty plea at Cardiff Crown Court before Judge Eleri Rees on Friday, September 9.
The body of Iris Owens was discovered in Ystrad Mynach on Tuesday, May 3.
Emergency services were called to the address in Nelson Street at 5.45pm.
Judge Rees previously ordered a psychiatric report.
Mrs Owens was described by neighbours as "lovely" and "friendly".
She was an active volunteer for local heritage groups.
Owens, from River Row in Abercynon , is due to be sentenced by Mrs Justice Nicola Davies at 10.30am at Cardiff Crown Court .

Judge will hand down sentence tomorrow

The defendant’s barrister argued his guilty plea could not have been entered any earlier.
Mrs Justice Nicola Davies said she will retire to think about the case and sentence tomorrow morning.
She said: “I do want to very carefully consider the facts of what is a tragic and unusual case.”
The judge told the defendant: “I want to think very carefully about the sentence in this case.”
She will sentence at 10.30am tomorrow.

'Significant remorse'

The barrister representing Robert Owens said: “He is devastated by what happened in those few minutes of anger in the garden.”
He added: “Terrible though this case is, it is a case in which some measure of leniency can be shown to the defendant.”
He submitted his client had shown “significant remorse”.

Defendant kicked and strangled his mother then hit her with chainsaw

The court heard Robert Owens accepts kicking his mother, strangling her and striking her with the chainsaw.
The defence barrister said: “However it started that afternoon, he has to accept that there were other options available to him and that nothing can excuse what he did.”

'Close, loving, supportive relationship' between mother and son

The defence barrister is now putting forward mitigation.
He said: “As to the relationship between mother and son, that is the proper background against which one assesses his remorse.
“This was a close, loving and supportive relationship.
“To sit where he now does today, having done what he did, we submit is a very terrible thing.
“He would like it said on his behalf there is not a moment in the day in which he is not reminded of what happened.
“That is likely to be the case for the duration of the sentence.”

'Short-lived' suffering

Mr Clee said the victim’s suffering was “short-lived”.
He added there was no evidence of pre-meditation.
The prosecutor told the court Robert Owens pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. 

Victim had paid for chainsaw

The court heard the chainsaw was bought from Blackwood Chainsaws in 2014 by the defendant and paid for by Iris Owens.
The prosecutor said “it appears to have excellent safety features.”

'I'm going to jail'

Robert Owens was arrested on suspicion of murder at 6pm.
The court heard he said: “I know, I’m going to jail.
“I can’t believe this has happened. I was just chopping wood.
“Why did this have to happen?”
The prosecutor said he later told officers: “I didn’t mean to kill my mother.
“I was chopping wood pallets and she fell off on to my saw.”

Traces of drugs in defendant's system

The defendant claimed his mother had “gone berserk”.
When asked about his medical history Owens said he was a heroin addict and had taken heroin around midnight.
Samples revealed the defendant had recently taken heroin and cocaine.

'She's gone mad. She's not breathing'

The defendant called for an ambulance at 5.21pm.
He said: “My mother just went mad. I was chainsawing some wood. She’s gone mad. She’s not breathing. I’ve got to give her the kiss of life. She ain’t doing nothing.”
Two paramedics arrived and saw the defendant had blood on his hands.
The court heard Ms Owens was lying on her back in the garden.
The paramedics noted she had a black eye and laceration to her neck.
She was pronounced dead at 5.42pm.

Victim seen hanging out the washing

The court heard that on the day of the incident Iris Owens attended a church service.
In the afternoon a delivery driver tried to deliver a parcel but the defendant would not accept it.
Ms Owens attended a fracture clinic regarding a previously fractured ankle.
Just after 5pm she was seen hanging out washing in her garden.
A witness heard the sound of a chainsaw coming from the garden.

'Robert and his mum were close'

The prosecutor is now reading statements from witnesses regarding the relationship between Iris Owens and her son.
One said: “I would describe her relationship with Robert as very motherly.
“I would describe him as odd, but not scary odd.”
She described him as “sometimes like a child who wanted attention.
“There never seemed to be any problems with them living together.
“Robert and his mum were close.”

Victim was an 'immensely kind' widow

She was a widow with two children.
After her husband died, she moved to an address in Abercycnon and her son moved in with her.
The prosecutor said she was an “active and independent lady”.
She worked as a volunteer at the Well Of Hope charity shop and attended Welsh Classes.
She was also a member of a historical society and a bilingual tour guide.
The court heard she was an active member of the Church Of Wales.
One friend described her as “immensely kind, very well educated, always willing to help other and take people under her wing”.

Defendant 'killed his mother with a chainsaw'

Prosecutor Christopher Clee is now opening the case.
The court heard the defendant murdered her in the garden with a chainsaw.
Iris Owens was 75 when she died.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/live-updates-man-who-admitted-12101611

Rhondda Cynon Taf ,South Wales - Live updates as trial of brothers accused of shooting man dead in layby continues


Stephen Bennett (left) and Edward Bennett arrive at Cardiff Crown Court

Stephen Bennett, of Pontypridd, and Edward Bennett, of Penrhiwceiber, deny murdering Mark Jones

The trial of two brothers accused of murdering a man found injured in a layby last July is continuing today.
Stephen Bennett, 53, and Edward Bennett, 47, have pleaded not guilty to murdering husband and father Mark Jones, who worked for HMRC.
Mr Jones, 43, was found with gunshot wounds in a layby on the A4059 in Mountain Ash on July 26 last year.
He died in hospital two months later.
On Thursday the trial heard from forensic scientist Dr Mandy Wood who was responsible for examining gun cartridges and gunshot residue.
She was given a box containing seven strips of 10 cartridges each, some Winchester and some Hilti cartridges, and gave evidence about different types of gunshot residue and the particles found in within those.
On Wednesday the jury heard a doctor gave permission for two police officers to carry out an interview with Mr Jones while he was in hospital.
The court also heard evidence from Ellen Davies – a former partner of Edward Bennett. She said they started dating about three weeks before the incident.
She gave a statement to police about what happened on the evening of July 26 and said Edward Bennett went to her house at around 7pm.
Ms Davies told officers: “He told me he was popping out and he wouldn’t be long.”
The court heard Edward Bennett returned to her house at around 8pm.
Asked if there was anything “unusual” about Edward Bennett when he came back, she said there was not. She confirmed he did not use her shower.
Ms Davies told the court he left her address at around midnight.
The court also heard from Beverley Jones, who has been in a relationship with Stephen Bennett for 22 years.
She gave a statement to police about what happened on Sunday, July 26, last year.
She said she saw both brothers in the house that evening.
The witness recalled Stephen Bennett leaving the house and said: “He wasn’t gone long.”
She recalled Edward Bennett leaving the house and said Stephen Bennett left soon afterwards, telling her he was going to the allotments.
The court heard the allotments are next to the River Taff, near their home on Masefield Way.
She told police her partner was “his usual self” when he got back.
The witness confirmed they both went to work the next day and agreed it was “business as usual” until Stephen Bennett was arrested by armed police on the Wednesday.
Both Stephen Bennett, from Masefield Way in Pontypridd , and Edward Bennett, from Station Terrace in Penrhiwceiber, deny murder.

Short break

Mr Davies has finished giving his evidence.
There will be a 10-minute break before the next witness, consultant Mohammad Zia, is called.

Witness asked about 'affair'

Mr Griffiths asked Mr Davies if he knew anything about a “long-standing affair” Mr Jones had with a local woman or whether he was aware Mr Jones was a drug dealer.
Mr Davies said: “No.”

Edward Bennett and Mark Jones 'were friends'

Mr Davies said he also knew ‘Eddie’ Bennett as someome who was good with cars.
He described Edward Bennett as being friends with Mark Jones.

'Shock' of victim's friend

The next witness is Keith Davies, a friend of Mark Jones.
He is questioned by Peter Griffiths QC, representing Edward Bennett, about a statement he made to police.
Mr Davies said he knew Mr Jones for 30 years and they grew up in the Mountain Ash area. He said he saw Mr Jones every week and they would often train together and played squash.
In his statement, he said: “I really don’t know any reason why anyone would do this to Mark. He was a happy family man and I am completely shocked.”

Statement from arresting officer

Prosecutor Mike Jones is reading a statement out from PC Nathan Rafferty, a member of the joint firearms unit.
He carried out the arrest of Sptehen Bennett at his home address in Masefield Way, Pontypridd on July 29, 2015.
He said two females were also at the address.
He added that a search was carried out at the property to make sure there were no more people there and there were not.

The jury are now in court

The judge and the defendants are in court.
Edward Bennett is wearing a white short and tie and Stephen Bennett is wearing a blue suit.
The jury have entered the court.

Case due to begin shortly

The fifth week of the murder trial of brothers Edward and Stephen Bennett is about to begin.
There are 11 people in the public gallery and some members of counsel are in court.
We are waiting Mr Justice Wyn Williams and the defendants to enter the courtroom
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/live-updates-trial-brothers-accused-12101710

Rhyl,North Wales - Murder: Police make fourth arrest after stabbing at Home Bargains car park

Detectives are questioning four people in connection with the killing of Mark Mason

Police have made another arrest in connection with the investigation into the murder of Mark Mason in Rhyl.
The arrest has been made “outside the North Wales” area and brings the total of people held to four.
Mr Mason, who was from Rhyl, died after being stabbed at Home Bargains car park in Marsh Road just before 7.30pm on Thursday (October 27).
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Devonport said: “We know that the vehicle in which Mr Mark Mason was attacked in was a Renault Kangoo, registration X213 HHN.
“The Kangoo was followed along Ffordd Las, Rhyl by a Black BMW X1 car, before being followed into the Home Bargains car park.
“The occupants of this vehicle are responsible for the targeted and planned attack on Mark Mason.”
He added: “We know that there were a few people in the area of Marsh Road and Ffordd Las at the time of the attack and I would like anyone in the area to make contact so we can rule them out of the investigation.
“Whilst we have made arrests, we still require help from the community of Rhyl and the surrounding areas.
“We are keen to gather information around the Black BMW X1, which we know contained a number of males.
“The behaviour of the vehicle and its occupants would have attracted attention before and after the fatal attack on Mark Mason.”
Anybody with information is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101, or via the live web chat, quoting reference number U163736. Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/rhyl-murder-police-make-fourth-12101164

Friday, October 28, 2016

Mold,North Wales - Drug dealer caught at Mold McDonald's with more than 100 wraps of hard drugs

William Bowers
A 21-year-old man who was caught dealing 103 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin in the car park of Mold McDonald’s has been jailed for more than two years.

Drug gangs were blasted for bringing 'death into our community' at Mold Crown Cout as William Bowers was sent to prison

William Bowers was arrested by police carrying the drugs in July, Mold Crown Court heard.
At Mold Crown Court, Recorder Simon Mills blasted drugs gangs as cowardly evil people who used young men like Bowers to do their “dirty work” bringing “death into our community”.
Bowers, of Roxburgh Street, Liverpool, had pleaded guilty to two counts of intending to supply the drugs and of possessing cannabis.
The court heard that, on July 12, police were called to the Mold fast food restaurant’s car park after two men were seen acting suspiciously.
Jade Tufail, prosecuting, said: “There was suspected drug dealing and when police searched the males, they found 103 wraps and a small amount of cannabis on him, a Blackberry mobile, iPhone and £121 cash.
“In total, there was 5.1 grams of crack and 4.6 grams of heroin, which the police thought were linked to organised crime groups bringing drugs into Mold.”
Ms Tufail said that, given the purity of the drugs, police believed these were street deals to get people hooked before feeding them narcotics which were cut with other substances.
Defending, Andrew Green said Bowers was a young man who had only been before the courts once before and came from a good supportive home.
Sentencing Bowers to two years and four months in jail, Mr Mills said: “You are the sort of young person who should not be here and it gives me no pleasure.
“But it goes with the territory and custody follows.”
The recorder added: “Heroin and crack cocaine bring untold misery onto our streets and death into our community.
“Then they go and inflict misery on other people as they commit crimes to feed their addiction.
“The gangs behind these are evil people willing to use young men like you to do their dirty work.”
There was no further penalty for Bowers for possessing cannabis.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/drug-dealer-caught-mold-mcdonalds-12095026

Rhyl,North Wales - Rhyl Home Bargains murder victim named

The 48-year-old, who was local to the Rhyl area, was knifed to death in the car park in Marsh Road at about 7.30pm yesterday

The man murdered in a car park in Rhyl last night has been named as Mark Roy Mason.
The 48-year-old, who was local to the Rhyl area, was knifed to death at the Home Bargains car park in Marsh Road just before 7.30pm yesterday in what police believe was a targeted attack.
Police and paramedics arrived quickly at the scene and began to treat Mr Mason, who later died at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
He was in a white Renault Kangoo van when he was stabbed by offenders travelling in a black 4x4 vehicle.
Police have launched a murder investigation and officers have remained on the scene, with the car park taped off and the shop closed.
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Devonport said the reason for the attack is still unknown.
“Our thoughts are with Mr Mason’s family, who are currently being supported by specialist family liaison officers,” he said.
“This incident has shocked the community. We continue to appeal to anybody who may have information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
“We thank the public for their patience with our continued presence and we will do all we can to minimise disruption.
“A police cordon remains in place and the car park is likely to remain closed for a further short period of time while we finalise our forensic investigation.
“We believe this to be a targeted attack, but the reason for this attack is yet to be established.
“Increased police activity and patrols will continue in the area while we investigate and reassure our community.”
It is understood the white Renault Kangoo van drove onto the car park followed by a black 4x4 vehicle.
The offenders were seen to get out of the black vehicle and attack the passenger in the Renault before making off.
Community leaders have spoken of their shock following the killing.
Cllr Pat Jones said: “I had a phone call from the police about the murder and there is an ongoing investigation.
“I want to reassure everyone, especially those who live on their own, that this is an isolated incident.”
Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number U1637636.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mark-roy-mason-named-rhyl-12095167

Flint,North Wales - Man avoids jail over petrol attack on Flintshire aunt of Gareth Bale's fiancée

A man who poured petrol through his aunt’s letterbox and threatened to kill her during a complex feud said to involve a Middle Eastern drugs ring has been spared jail.

Peter Williams, of Northop Road, Flint, also sent death threats to Jane Burns and caused more than £1,000 of damage to her car

Peter Williams, of Northop Road, Flint, targeted Jane Burns and her husband Daniel in Bennetts Row in Oakenholt on September 20.
He also caused damage worth more than £1,000 to the family’s Volvo car, which was dented and scratched.
Williams, 22, had admitted going to his aunt’s home with a can containing a small amount of petrol, water and possibly anti-freeze, but claimed he did not intend to ignite it.
The mixture had been poured through the Burns’ letterbox.
Williams also admitted sending Mrs Burns death threats via a Facebook message just days before.
At Mold Crown Court today, Recorder Simon Mills said he could have gone to jail as he was already on a suspended sentence for burglary.
But Mr Mills instead gave Williams, who has autism and mental health problems, a four-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months.
Describing it as an incredibly difficult case, he warned Williams: “I can’t see a third chance for you and if you commit a silly offence again you should be brought before this crown court and dealt with.”
The court heard the incident was part of a complex feud , which also included the defendant’s mother Annabella Williams - the aunt of Gareth Bale's fiancée Emma Rhys-Jones - having two cars torched on her driveway.
It emerged that Mrs Williams was the innocent victim of what is thought to be a gangland dispute.
The attack on Mrs Williams’ cars came just days after the Cardiff home of Ms Rhys-Jones’ grandparents was set on fire.
It was claimed the grandparents’ home was being used to stash narcotics by Epiphany Dring, 27, a cousin of the Real Madrid star’s partner.
Flintshire magistrates had heard former topless model Ms Dring had become involved in a serious Middle Eastern drugs ring.
The hearing heard that it was believed Mrs Williams, 55, had been followed by members of the gang to her home in Flint, where they set the cars alight.
Her son then poured the petrol mixture through the letterbox at Ms Dring’s parents’ house in Oakenholt, as he blamed the family for the trouble his parents had found themselves in.
Today, Williams was in tears in the dock before his fate was decided.
Andrew Green, defending, said: “His offences have to be seen in the context of the condition he has.”
Mr Green said Williams’ parents, Peter and Annabella, had been advised by police to move out of their address and to “go into hiding”.
Given all the evidence, Mr Mills said: “You are not going to go to prison today and that has been a very difficult decision to take.”
But he added: “There will come a point where a judge will say: ‘I’m sorry, you have been given enough chances.’”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/man-avoids-jail-over-petrol-12094549