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Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
'That's what got me' Teen dad's final words to his family
'That's what got me' Teen dad's final words to his family Corey French, 19, had a young son and was found dead outside the family home on Christmas Eve Swansea's Guildhall, where the inquest was held (Image: Media Wales ) A popular talented young footballer found dead outside his family home on Christmas Eve had urged his friends and family not to do drugs. An inquest was held into the death of Corey James French at Swansea's Guildhall on Wednesday afternoon. It heard how the 19-year-old was pronounced dead on December 24, 2024, after he was tragically discovered at Woodford Road in Blaenymaes, Swansea, by his stepfather. Mr French was a former Townhill and Seaview school pupil, who was described as a "bright boy who loved school sports and art", and would receive glowing reports from teachers. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here He played for West End Football Club, before getting poached to play for Treboeth, but returned to West End soon after to carry on playing with his friends. He also played football for the school team when he went to Bishop Gore School. The young man went on to Gower College to study plumbing, before finding work with a local builder, where he learnt skills in flooring and carpentry. He was then employed by Swansea Council as a van driver, with duties including picking up traffic signs, which he loved, due to his passion for driving. Article continues below Mr French was a new father to a young son, who was three months old, and who he loved, and "would regularly show him off" to family members. He would often go out socialising with friends on the weekend, and had loyal friends. He later took on a job where he would be working away during the week, and would return home to visit family and friends at the weekend, a schedule which he confided with a family member that he found difficult. The inquest was told in a police covering report how the teenager had been struggling with an addiction to alcohol, gambling, and drugs. He had visited his GP where he had disclosed how he had been misusing alcohol, cocaine and cannabis. Where you can get support for your mental health in Wales Mind Cymru - mental health charity working across Wales to support people in their communities. Call the infoline on 0300 123 33 93 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm for information on mental health problems, where to get help near you, treatment options, advocacy services. Mind can also be contacted by email: info@ Beat Cymru - leading eating disorder charity offering support and guidance for people worried about their own or someone else's health, support available 365 days a year on the Welsh helpline 0808 801 0433 or Community Advice & Listening Line (CALL) - Mental health helpline for people in Wales which offers emotional support and information for anyone concerned about their own mental health or a friend/family member's mental health. Call 0800 13 27 37 or text 'help' to 81066 Samaritans - For confidential support, Samaritans can be contacted around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123 All information correct at time of publication. On December 23, 2024, Mr French went out to meet friends for a few drinks ahead of Christmas in the Brynmill and Port Tennant areas of Swansea, before being picked up and taken home by his girlfriend, with whom he shared excitement over their new relationship, and told her he looked forward to making memories. The next morning, a number of letters were found downstairs in the property of his family home. Mr French was not found in his room, and his stepfather, John, later discovered Mr French outside the family home. He called the emergency services, and police, along with two rapid response ambulances attended the scene. Tragically, Mr French was pronounced dead. Within the letters he apologised to his family for "having to go out like this", adding: "I can't do it anymore. I can't bare pain I'm going through. Don't do drugs, that's what has got me." Article continues below The inquest heard how Mr French had not indicated any intention of harming himself to his friends, family or girlfriend. Senior coroner Aled Gruffydd returned a suicide conclusion.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Government update announced for those with energy meters
Government update announced for those with energy meters Hundreds of thousands of households will be affected The technology is becoming obsolete (Image: Matthew Horwood / Media Wales ) The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch-off is to be delayed, the Government has announced, following warnings that it was likely to cause considerable disruption to hundreds of thousands of households. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said there will be a 'managed and more controlled start' to the RTS phaseout from June 30, and those with an affected meter will not face any unexpected disruption to their heating or hot water at the end of the month. The RTS system, used by older electricity meters to control heating and hot water, uses a longwave radio frequency to switch between peak and off-peak rates. The technology is becoming obsolete and energy companies had a deadline to change their customers' meters by June 30. However, firms have admitted that current rates of replacement meant it was likely that thousands of RTS meters would not have been upgraded before the technology is switched off. Energy UK, which represents firms, said 392,000 households still had the meters as of mid April. Industry regulator Ofgem has said the risks associated with not having a functioning meter include heating and hot water left continually on or off, electric storage heaters charging at the wrong time of day, possibly leading to higher bills, and the supplier being unable to confirm electricity usage during peak or off-peak times. Article continues below In a written statement on Wednesday, energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the pace of RTS replacements by industry had been 'too slow', leaving 314,935 RTS meters still in homes as of May 30. She said: 'My department has worked to ensure industry will pursue a more controlled approach to the phaseout, beginning with a very small number of homes and businesses in carefully targeted local areas. "During this process, Government and Ofgem will closely monitor supplier readiness to ensure the process is smooth and vulnerable consumers are identified and protected. 'These steps will help ensure suppliers are ready to respond quickly in case of any issues and that working families and the elderly are protected throughout the phaseout process. 'The Government is working closely with industry and Ofgem to ensure this next period is planned effectively and consumers, particularly those who are vulnerable, are protected.' She added: 'Suppliers will continue contacting consumers to book replacement appointments and consumers are urged to respond as soon as possible. 'In most cases, this will involve replacing the RTS meter with a smart meter, which can work in the same way as RTS meters, with automatic peak and off-peak rates, and the ability to turn heating and hot water systems on and off, ensuring minimal disruption to households. 'In advance of any phaseout activity in their area, households and businesses will be contacted by their energy supplier to inform them well ahead of time, if their meters will be affected.' Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, which wrote to Ofgem and the Government to raise concerns about the pace and communication of the meter replacement effort, said: 'The RTS switch-off process was doomed to failure after it became clear that the deadline was simply unachievable. 'Ministers are right to be getting a grip on the situation and holding Ofgem and the energy industry to account. 'We now need to see a plan published that sets out how the gradual switch-off will take place, including which regions will be affected and when. Article continues below 'Crucially, we also need firm and binding reassurances that no customers will be left without heating or hot water, and that no household will face higher bills as a result of the changes. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here .
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Wales Online
The Waverley paddle steamer returns to Wales for summer sailings
The Waverley paddle steamer returns to Wales for summer sailings The Waverley has been sailing for 50 years and is back in Wales this month The Waverley is the last seagoing passenger carrying paddle steamer in the world (Image: Media Wales ) Celebrating 50 years on the water, The Waverley is returning to the Wales this month and will be docking in different locations in the coming weeks. As it cruises the Bristol Channel and south west Wales once again this June, the paddle steamer will be docking at Penarth, Swansea, Tenby, Fishguard and Porthcawl for visitors to hop aboard. From now until June 25, you can marvel at the world's last seagoing paddle steamer or even hop aboard and enjoy the historic ship as it sails across the water to the north Devon harbour town of Ilfracombe. Once aboard the Waverley, you'll be transported back in time as you see the splendid triple expansion steam engine, reviving the genuine allure of a classic steamship as you hear the telegraph chime, observe the engine's elegant movement, see the paddles rotate through the portholes. Passengers can also enjoy the catering facilities on board with a hot or cold snack, tea and cake in the afternoon, a hot meal in the Dining Saloon or a refreshment in one of the period lounges. The Waverley will be sailing through the waters in Wales this month (Image: Media Wales ) There are two planned trips to a remote island of Lundy, where the Atlantic and the Bristol Channel meet on June 15 and 17. Passengers will be able to step off the ship and explore the island. Article continues below On Wednesday, June 18 the Captain's Choice cruise will see the much-loved ship sail from Porthcawl at 10am to Minehead then along the Exmoor coast to Ilfracombe. On Sunday, June 22 the ship will be visiting Porthcawl at 3.15pm where the beach will be filled with visitors for BeachFest Porthcawl. This year The Waverley will be taking one trip to Tenby on Tuesday, June 24 setting off from Penarth at 9.20am. People in Tenby can then step aboard for an evening cruise where they can view Caldey Island and the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast as Waverley sets course for Milford Haven. The finale of this year's sailings will take place on Wednesday, June 25, with a sailing from Fishguard, Waverley's first public sailing from the town in over 30 years. For the full timetable for The Waverley, visit here. Article continues below
Wales Online
11-06-2025
- Wales Online
Police issue major update on bomb squad incident which led to homes being evacuated
Police issue major update on bomb squad incident which led to homes being evacuated Police said a 'device' was 'made safe' after being found during a raid on a property A 100m police cordon was set up in Llanelli on Wednesday (Image: Media Wales ) Police have issued a major update after homes were evacuated and roads closed when a "device" was discovered during a police raid. Dyfed-Powys Police carried out a warrant at a property in the New Dock Area of Llanelli on Wednesday. After a "device" was discovered, explosives experts were called in, while a 100m cordon was set up. Police have now said the device was "made safe" and people can now return to their homes. Residents were evacuated from their homes on Wednesday afternoon and into the evening, with a local leisure centre used as a 'rest centre' for those affected. Police confirmed that a 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of offences under The Explosive Substances Act after a warrant was executed. He remains in police custody. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . In an update late on Wednesday night, police said explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts from the Ministry of Defence had concluded their searches and that it is safe for people to return to their homes. Meanwhile, a police presence will remain visible overnight. Article continues below A spokeswoman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: "EOD officers have concluded their searches, and one device was made safe, and we no longer believe there is any wider threat to the public. "The device was found during the execution of a planned search warrant, under The Explosive Substances Act, at an address on New Dock Road, Llanelli. "Residents who were asked to leave their properties can now return and all roads have now reopened. Officers will remain at the location overnight while enquiries continue." Article continues below Force chief inspector Dominic Jones, said: "I would like to thank the whole community for their support and patience while we dealt with this incident. Local people will see more police in the area over the coming days as enquiries continue." Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.
Wales Online
09-06-2025
- Wales Online
The hidden underbelly of Wales where exploitation is rife
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Frantic shouting in Mandarin erupts from behind a curtain separating the front desk from the kitchen at the Red Hot Goodies Chinese takeaway. Waiting customers are turned away. Upstairs is a modest, cramped flat which is searched by five officers clad in stab vests emblazoned with "'Immigration Enforcement". They swiftly locate each individual in the building, including one who was evidently serving customers moments before. The takeaway in Blackwood, Gwent, is shut down for the evening. The suspected illegal worker, a Chinese woman who only provides her first name and denies working at the takeaway despite being spotted behind the till, is not the person the officers are seeking. She is detained nonetheless. It emerges the young woman, a former marketing student who arrived in the Caerphilly town two months earlier, had entered the UK legally on a skilled worker's visa. She is performing what is considered unskilled work by assisting behind the till at the takeaway. Her stay is therefore unlawful and she is informed she will have to depart the UK as soon as possible. The unassuming takeaway operates on a quiet residential street. Its young male owner informs officer Richard Johnson, who's leading the raids, that the woman chanced upon his family online. He claims he has never paid her, showing the officers the company's bank statements. These reveal the woman is paying him £280 a month to live in the flat upstairs with the family. Attempting to ignore the owner's mother, who persistently yells over the officers in Mandarin, they ascertain she's essentially receiving reduced rent in exchange for her work. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone (Image: Media Wales) The proprietor insists he knows nothing about the woman beyond her name, age, and the validity of her passport, reports Wales Online. Richard asks: "The only reason she came here was to help you in this shop?" The owner responds: "I think she was homeless and had nowhere to go." Richard questions: "Why did you think she was homeless?" "I just took a guess," he answers. It transpires the takeaway has previously been penalised for employing an illegal worker. The owner is issued a referral notice and warned he could face another potential fine of up to £60,000. Penalties now stand at £45,000 for a first-time offence and can rise to £60,000 for subsequent offences. Once a notice is issued, it is handled by a central immigration office in Manchester which conducts further investigations and determines the appropriate penalty. (Image: Media Wales) The young woman provides evidence that she has arranged a flight back to China for the following week and assures the officers she will leave the country. As we exit the takeaway, Richard explains the background. "You get people who've come over on small boats and in the back of lorries or in through the backdoor through Ireland," he says. "But often the people we're dealing with have entered the country legally but then they breach the terms of their visa. "That woman had come in on a skilled worker visa and was clearly carrying out unskilled work, so she's broken the rules of the system. The skilled worker visa is strictly for people to come to this country and contribute skilled work. We regularly encounter people who've come in using the skilled worker visa and they're behind a till serving in a restaurant or takeaway or a corner shop. "If we arrest someone we have to ask them first, 'Are you prepared to return voluntarily?' And if they book a flight and show evidence that they've booked it, they may not get detained. More and more now when we catch them, they tend to book a flight and go. We don't get much hassle." (Image: Media Wales) Richard continued: "We don't often get hassle really. We sometimes do at the car washes. There is a car wash we've done a few times and you always know it's either going to kick off there or people are going to run. You've always got to be prepared for people to run but sometimes it still catches you by surprise. "Or in a restaurant they might not run but they'll take their aprons off and go out to the back. There are some peculiar ones. We often find illegal workers cooking in restaurant kitchens and they claim they're cooking for themselves." Just hours before arriving at the Chinese takeaway, the officers visited the Bella e Buona Italian restaurant in Brynmawr. During their previous two surprise visits to the restaurant, they had discovered Albanian illegal workers in the kitchen – some of whom fled when the officers arrived. With the threat of closure hanging over the restaurant, this time there were no illegal workers to be found. "It seems they've learned their lesson," said Richard before heading to his next assignment in Cardiff. (Image: Media Wales) Over the past week Richard, from Port Talbot, and his Wales and west of England immigration enforcement team have been busy busting illegal workers across various sites. Their crackdowns ranged from a Tenby construction site, where five illegal workers were detained, to Treforest's Choices Express takeaway, leading to a Sri Lankan man's arrest. At a Premier Stores in Pontypridd, an Indian man was detained for violating immigration bail. It's part of a clear trend. Between July 5 last year, and May 31, 2025, the Wales and west of England squad arrested 1,057 illegal workers, up an astounding 114% on the previous year. The number of visits was up too, by 96% to 1,477, matching a surge in illegal migrant landings in the UK. During a January operation at a dairy farm in Llangedwyn, Powys, six Romanians were arrested for visa infractions. Another visit to a solar farm in Anglesey on March 20 led to 16 arrests and a referral notice being served on the subcontractor. Particular focus has been on tackling employers who facilitate illegal working, often subjecting migrants to squalid conditions and illegal working hours below minimum wage. Restaurants, nail bars and construction sites have been among the hundreds of businesses targeted. (Image: Media Wales) "In the last financial year we arrested more illegal workers than any immigration enforcement team in the country," Richard revealed. "In the first eight weeks of this financial year we've done more than double the arrests than the same period last year. So we're looking at well over 2,000 (arrests) if we keep on the same trajectory." Is that a positive development or a cause for concern? "It depends which way you look at it I suppose," said Richard." I think at least it shows our commitment to prioritise and target illegal working." A recent raid on a distribution centre uncovered so many undocumented workers that it overwhelmed a computer system used by officers known as Pronto. For each individual case, the system logs details such as name, date of birth, arrival date in the UK, visa information, contact information, any mitigating circumstances, and what the employer has told visiting officers. Richard observed that the nature of the job is becoming much less predictable. "Our activity has rocketed. Now there are far more jobs because illegal working has grown and evolved. "It's still the usual suspects – barbers, takeaways, restaurants, corner shops – but it's not always like that anymore. It's rife too in the care sector, construction sector and even farming. We're now doing farms in Wales with some success." (Image: Media Wales) Richard, who has a 25-year tenure in immigration enforcement, shed light on the devastating reality for many who are led to the UK by people smugglers with false promises of an improved life with ample opportunities. Instead, they often find themselves in deplorable living conditions, earning scant wages for long, harsh hours under the perpetual risk of arrest and expulsion. "A lot of them, I think, see a better future than is the reality when they get here," said Richard. Hopeful migrants often pay hefty sums for transport, sometimes up to £10,000, which they then strive to repay only to encounter bitter disappointment. "There are often some really sad cases," he said. "We went to a brothel and encountered three Brazilian sex workers. I believed them when they said they never had any intention of being sex workers but they came here and fell into it and the money was better than what they got at home. "One had made £10,000 and we seized it all because it had clearly been gained unlawfully. All three of them went back to Brazil with nothing. They'd clearly been duped. "The incentive mainly is financial. If someone is illegal they'll more than likely work for less money or, in certain cases, will work for no money at all and would just get accommodation or food in return. Sometimes they're told when they get here they'll be working and earning money beyond their wildest dreams and often that's not the case. They realise the streets aren't paved with gold. "It's clear exploitation but sadly they don't always see it like that because life might be so difficult for them back home. In many cases they're living in awful conditions, sharing a room with four or five others, and they're sending the majority of the money back to their families." (Image: Paul Gillis/Reach PLC) The team has now been alerted by a local tip-off that another Chinese takeaway in Caerphilly borough may have illegal workers. Upon visiting the establishment, the officers encounter a visibly distressed family of five. The father, who runs the takeaway, struggles to find his words initially and invites the officers to check every corner of the premises, hastily asserting, "No-one is hiding here." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox During my time with the enforcement team, I've noticed their consistent calmness and respectfulness on these operations. Quickly realising that no laws are being broken, they offer their apologies and depart from the property. "That one is most likely a malicious report," Richard remarks. When asked what he means, he explains: "Someone who doesn't like them. We call it malicious intel. We do always try and corroborate checks to rule out a possibility of malicious intel but if that isn't possible. "If we haven't visited the premises in years we tend to decide it's probably worth looking at just in case. It's always difficult because it can be worrying for the owners, particularly if there are children involved." He said officers often receive valuable information via anonymous tips by the public. "Sources remain completely anonymous but they tend to be from police, members of the public, or other times it's us targeting known problem areas," Richard said. "At the moment it's delivery drivers that is a big one for us. They'll stop to pick up an order and we'll intercept. But many of them are in a WhatsApp group together and word will get around about where we are, so it can be tricky. It can sound straightforward but it definitely isn't." 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