Latest news with #DarrenWatts
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Eritrean asylum seeker who 'threatened to torture wife and children' says he should be allowed to stay 'secure and safe in UK'
An asylum seeker who reportedly threatened to torture his wife and two young children is fighting to stay in the UK. Eritrean national Andemariam Zeselase, 37, is alleged to have terrorised his family between September 2020 to December 2023, and the police want him to return to face justice said Darren Watts, for the Norwegian authorities. He is resisting extradition from his taxpayer-funded accommodation because he wants to stay 'secure and safe in the UK', a court heard. Mr Watts described the alleged offences as 'unpleasant, coercive, and controlling.' But his lawyer Frank Brazell said Zeselase would prefer not to face a Norwiegan court. Zeselase appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court wearing a grey prison tracksuit. Assisted by an Eritrean interpreter, he spoke only to confirm his personal details. Mr Brazell said: 'Mr Zeselase is currently seeking asylum. He has been living in Home Office accommodation since he arrived in the UK from Norway two years ago. 'He spent two years in Norway with his family as an asylum seeker there, but his visa ran out after his marriage ended, so he came to the UK. 'He has no community ties here and has huge difficulty communicating with people who speak English.' Zeselase was served an accusation warrant by the Norwegian authorities, and was arrested on July 2 this year. He previously denied the charge of 'threats, assault and maltreatment of his wife and children.' District Judge Brianne Clarke remanded Zeselase in custody. Denying him bail, she told him: 'I am not prepared to take the risks in these circumstances, especially as your ties are limited. Zeselase will next appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court at a date to be fixed next week. He may be released on bail back into his taxpayer-funded Home Office accommodation from prison next week. He is living in taxpayer funded, Home Office accommodation, in Telford.
Wales Online
04-08-2025
- Wales Online
Investigation launched after man dies at Welsh prison
Investigation launched after man dies at Welsh prison It is the fourth death at the prison this year being examined HMP Berwyn is one of the biggest jails in Europe (Image:) An investigation has been launched after the death of a man at a Welsh prison. Prisoner Darren Watts, who was 51, died last month at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) has confirmed it is examining the circumstances surrounding his death, which happened on Sunday, July 13. It is the fourth inquiry launched by the PPO in 2025 following the death of a prisoner at HMP Berwyn. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . A spokesperson for the PPO said: "We can only investigate issues that may be related to someone's death. This could include how their physical or mental health, suicide, self-harm and substance misuse risks have been managed." Darren Watts was born on November 3, 1973. As an inmate at a category C prison that can accommodate up to 2,100 men, the PPO will assess his post-mortem report and speak to prison staff before reaching its conclusions. The investigation will also consider clinical reviews, records of interviews and other relevant documents. Article continues below A PPO report will be sent to the bereaved family before a final version is issued. A coroner will then conduct an inquest to establish how he died. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Darren Watts. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate." Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.
