Latest news with #Davies'
TimesLIVE
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Nigeria's first film in Cannes lineup explores masculinity, family dynamics
With My Father's Shadow, Nigeria's first film in the Cannes Film Festival's official selection, director Akinola Davies Jnr wanted to create something deeply personal, he told Reuters. The film had to mean "something to me, to him (my brother), to my family, to our community, I guess to masculinity in general," Davies said about the film competing in the second-tier Un Certain Regard category that he wrote with his brother, Wale. Davies' first feature takes place over one day in 1993, when two brothers' absent father, played by Gangs of London star Sope Dirisu, shows up unannounced and takes them to Lagos. Their father is there to try to recoup some money owed from his employer as the country is on edge after the outcome of the first elections in a decade under military rule is annulled. Newcomers and real-life brothers Godwin Egbo, 11 at the time of filming, and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, then eight, play the young siblings in the semi-autobiographical film that's been picked up for distribution by streamer Mubi. "Nigeria was going through a time where there was a lot of enthusiasm for this idea of a statesman who was going to lead us to potential," similar to the boys' relationship with their father, said Davies, who was raised between London and Lagos. "Both things being so sort of strong and dominant, but equally super vulnerable and super fragile, I think the tension sort of played off each other really well," said Davies. Dirisu, a British actor born to Nigerian parents, said the film made him take a deeper look at what it means to be a father and how Nigeria fits into his personal identity. "There were a lot of things I had to interrogate for the role, but it was exciting," the actor told Reuters. Davies' film is one of several strong contenders competing in Un Certain Regard this year, with actors Harrison Dickinson, Kristen Stewart and Scarlett Johansson also in the race with their directorial debuts. The Guardian gave My Father's Shadow four out of five stars, calling it a "subtle and intelligent coming-of-age tale" while industry publication IndieWire gave the "beautifully remembered drama" the grade of B+. Davies hopes the movie's inclusion at Cannes will pave the way for more African films at the festival. "African stories are out there," he told Reuters, but they need to be able to get to festivals such as Cannes to be seen. When there's willingness from other areas of the world, and points of access, however, the films can come through, he said.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
'I can't babe I'm sorry', dying man's last words to partner at scene of fatal crash
The partner of a motorist who was killed after a careless driver drove into the side of his car described how a "massive mistake" had "destroyed our family". Sharon Griffiths also told the court how she and her sons "collapsed into each other in shock" after they rushed to the scene of the accident, where he lay dying. Gareth Davies, 43, told Sharon, "I can't babe, I'm sorry", as she tried to comfort him at the scene of the crash in Fochriw Road, Merthyr Tydfil, on April 13, 2023. She was later joined by their sons at the side of the road as they were told "the worst news imaginable". Cardiff Crown Court heard how Dale Groves, 30, white Ford Ka smashed into the side of his black Renault Clio as Groves attempted an overtaking manoeuvre at the junction with Biffa Waste Management in Trecatti. READ MORE: Much-loved football coach took his own life, inquest told READ MORE: Welsh dad killed with a vodka bottle on a stag do in Prague In the short time leading up to the crash, a convoy of three vehicles formed travelling along the road comprising a large oil tank lorry at the front followed by Mr Davies' Renault in the middle and Groves' Ford at the back. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here The tanker was driven by professional driver Jamie Cummings at around 25mph. Although Mr Cummings could not see Mr Davies' car in his mirrors, due to his blind spot, it was heard that he could see Groves' car "attempting to overtake him a number of times". During a trial at Newport Crown Court, prosecutor Ieuan Bennett said: "By the time they reached the Biffa landfill site it seems the defendant, according to the prosecution, was determined to overtake both vehicles…What happened in reality was just as Mr Davies was turning right into the Biffa site across both lanes of the highway the defendant, at speed [and] travelling too close to the black car, drove right into the side of Mr Davies' vehicle in the overtaking lane…After the collision the defendant did his best to help but by then of course it was too late.' To make the right turn into Biffa it was heard that Mr Davies had slowed down to between five and nine miles per hour while Groves was travelling at an estimated speed of between 46 and 50mph. The speed limit on the road is 60mph. Following the incident Groves called 999 on three occasions in an attempt to get help. On one occasion he told the court how Groves was told there could be a wait of 'over three hours'. He said a fire engine was the first responder at the scene with paramedics arriving from 6.41am. Mr Davies was pronounced dead at 7.25am. The defendant, of Alfred Street, Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving, and was acquitted of the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving. During his sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, a heartrending statement from Mr Davies' partner Sharon Griffiths was read out in which she spoke of her devastating loss. She said: "I first found out Gareth had been in an accident when one of his colleagues contacted me that day. He stopped at the scene of the crash and stayed by his side. Gareth was conscious and able to communicate. "I left and rushed to the scene and was shocked by the sheer volume of emergency vehicles... Gareth was very distressed and was clearly in a lot of pain. I called out to him to let him know I was there to reassure and comfort him and get him to calm down so the firefighter could help him, but he said: 'I can't babe, I'm sorry'. "He became quiet and lost consciousness. The firefighters performed CPR on him and started shouting where the ambulance was.... "Some time passed and the ambulance arrived and Gareth was worked on continuously. Things were getting frantic and the air ambulance and both my sons arrived within seconds of each other. It felt like hours but it was probably minutes. "I was approached by two people, a doctor and a police officer who told us the worst news imaginable. There was nothing else that could be done and Gareth had passed away. We collapsed into each other in shock, trying to keep each other standing up. "Gareth was put into the back of an ambulance and we were allowed to spend time with him before he was transported to the hospital mortuary. A feeling of numbness and a false sense of reality followed in the weeks. We had to wait for the post mortem and felt helpless, we had no sense of purpose. There was no way to move forward as if everything had stopped." Ms Griffiths said it took a year before they found Groves was going to be prosecuted and it felt like they had been left without answers. She described the trial as "heartbreaking" after coming face to face with the defendant. She added: "The driver used the phrase 'massive mistake'. His massive mistake has destroyed our family. Our lives are unrecognisable to what they were. Gareth's life was taken and ours were ruined." Ms Griffiths said Mr Davies "lived for his family" and would help anyone who needed it. She said he was known in the neighbourhood for fixing things and helping people. She said they met 20 years ago and had two sons. She said her partner and her sons enjoyed going to watch the Isle of Man TT, and shared a love of rugby. Ms Griffiths said: "Since we've lost Gareth, we've had big events and each of them are incredibly hard. So many things he's been robbed of and so many things he's been missing, big things, little things, so many things the boys won't be able to tell their dad about. "He would have been so proud of them both. The boys have been sentenced to a lifetime without their father and friend. Every day we wish he was here and they could talk to him.... His life was snatched away doing something as normal as going to work... "We were a team, we shared everything and it's now just me. I'm trying to split myself to be a loving supportive mother, to make sure we have everything we need and to make sure I have enough hours in work... "Every plan is gone, our future is over, we spent 20 years together. He was it for me, Gareth truly was my other half, the other piece of me. I am slowly trying to find out what life without him will be like. My first and only priority will be our boys." In mitigation, defence barrister Kevin Seal said Groves' case did not involve excessive speed, alcohol, or drugs. He said the defendant feels awful and doesn't know how to apologise or express the enormity of the loss of Mr Davies' family. It was said he is a father of two children. Sentencing, Judge Daniel Williams said: "Gareth was a loving and loyal man who lived for his family and community and was a proud dad. Happy family milestones will always be marred by his absence. Your actions that morning have robbed Mr Davies and his family and friends of his future and their futures together." Groves was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 250 hours unpaid work and disqualified from driving for five years.
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Wales Online
Police warning as they release harrowing footage of crash that killed 43-year-old father
Police warning as they release harrowing footage of crash that killed 43-year-old father Gareth Davies was killed by careless driver Dale Groves Dale Groves ploughed into Gareth Davies' car as he took a right turn (Image: Gwent Police ) Police have released harrowing footage of the moment a careless driver ploughed into the side of a car driven by a father-of-two on his way to work. Gareth Davies was fatally injured in the crash in Fochriw Road, Merthyr Tydfil, on April 13, 2023. The 43-year-old's partner, Sharon Griffiths, rushed to the scene moments later. Gareth told her "I can't babe, I'm sorry", as she tried to comfort him at the scene. She was later joined by their sons at the side of the road as they were told "the worst news imaginable" - that her partner and the father of her children had been killed. Sharon told Cardiff Crown Court how she and her sons "collapsed into each other in shock" after they rushed to the scene of the accident, where he lay dying. Cardiff Crown Court heard how Dale Groves, 30, white Ford Ka smashed into the side of Mr Davies' black Renault Clio as Groves attempted an overtaking manoeuvre at the junction with Biffa Waste Management in Trecatti. In the short time leading up to the crash, a convoy of three vehicles formed travelling along the road comprising a large oil tank lorry at the front followed by Mr Davies' Renault in the middle and Groves' Ford at the back. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here The oil tanker can be seen passing in the CCTV footage moments before the crash happened. Article continues below Careless driving ruins lives The tanker was driven by professional driver Jamie Cummings at around 25mph. Although Mr Cummings could not see Mr Davies' car in his mirrors, due to his blind spot, it was heard that he could see Groves' car "attempting to overtake him a number of times". Gwent Police have released the footage with the permission of Mr Davies' family in a bid to remind motorists that "careless driving ruins lives". Following the incident Groves called 999 on three occasions in an attempt to get help. On one occasion he told the court how Groves was told there could be a wait of 'over three hours'. He said a fire engine was the first responder at the scene with paramedics arriving from 6.41am. Mr Davies was pronounced dead at 7.25am. Dale Groves, of Alfred Street, Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving, and was acquitted of the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving. Dale Groves outside Newport Crown Court (Image: John Myers ) During his sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, a heartrending statement from Mr Davies' partner Sharon Griffiths was read out in which she spoke of her devastating loss. She said: "I first found out Gareth had been in an accident when one of his colleagues contacted me that day. He stopped at the scene of the crash and stayed by his side. Gareth was conscious and able to communicate. "I left and rushed to the scene and was shocked by the sheer volume of emergency vehicles... Gareth was very distressed and was clearly in a lot of pain. I called out to him to let him know I was there to reassure and comfort him and get him to calm down so the firefighter could help him, but he said: 'I can't babe, I'm sorry'. "He became quiet and lost consciousness. The firefighters performed CPR on him and started shouting where the ambulance was.... "Some time passed and the ambulance arrived and Gareth was worked on continuously. Things were getting frantic and the air ambulance and both my sons arrived within seconds of each other. It felt like hours but it was probably minutes. "I was approached by two people, a doctor and a police officer who told us the worst news imaginable. There was nothing else that could be done and Gareth had passed away. We collapsed into each other in shock, trying to keep each other standing up. "Gareth was put into the back of an ambulance and we were allowed to spend time with him before he was transported to the hospital mortuary. A feeling of numbness and a false sense of reality followed in the weeks. We had to wait for the post mortem and felt helpless, we had no sense of purpose. There was no way to move forward as if everything had stopped." Ms Griffiths said it took a year before they found Groves was going to be prosecuted and it felt like they had been left without answers. She described the trial as "heartbreaking" after coming face to face with the defendant. She added: "The driver used the phrase 'massive mistake'. His massive mistake has destroyed our family. Our lives are unrecognisable to what they were. Gareth's life was taken and ours were ruined." Groves was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 250 hours unpaid work and disqualified from driving for five years. Gwent Police confirmed the family has given permission for the footage above to be shared. Article continues below
Powys County Times
12-05-2025
- Powys County Times
Mum says questions remain over death of 'Powys' Bear Grylls'
THE mother of a man whose naked body was found in a remote farm field near Llandrindod Wells believes his inquest leaves unanswered questions. Aaron Luke Davies, 31, was found in a field about four miles outside Llandrindod, near Penybont, on the morning of January 23, 2023. Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded a narrative verdict as the inquest into Mr Davies' death concluded at South Wales Central Coroners Court in Pontypridd, on Wednesday, April 16. Mr Hughes said Mr Davies likely died due to the amount of amphetamines in his system and the effects of hypothermia – with a pile of clothes suspected to belong to Mr Davies discovered about 600-800 metres away from his body. But Mr Davies' family say the fact his bank account was accessed two days after his body was found is among the factors which has left them questioning that conclusion. Dyfed Powys Police said an investigation was unable to conclude any suspicion of third-party involvement in his death. However, Jackie Roper, Mr Davies' mother, has vowed to continue seeking clarity. 'The use of Aaron's bank card after his death and the fact he was allegedly seen just four days before his body was discovered is a serious cause of concern," she said. 'There are more publicly unanswered questions around the circumstances of my son, Aaron's, death. 'This is far from over and my public fight for justice for Aaron will continue. 'Coroner Graeme Hughes touched on an Article 2 inquest, where a court can look to try and ensure a tragedy like this could be prevented from happening again. 'Only by following due process and establishing the true facts can we get to that point." Mrs Roper added: 'From my standpoint, I do have some kind of closure, only as a direct result of our own extensive private enquiries. 'I would like to thank my barrister, Graham Goodwill, in his fight to get this key information before the public court. 'I would like to thank everyone who has said kind words about Aaron, both personally and on social media.' What happens at an inquest and what can the press report? Reporting on inquests is one of the most difficult jobs faced by any journalist, but there are important reasons why local newspapers attend coroner's court hearings and report on proceedings. Here we will try and answer some of your questions about what will happen, what can be reported and why. Mr Davies was described locally as 'Llandrindod's version of Bear Grylls' - someone who would walk miles and often slept rough. Forensic pathologist Edward Williams said the medical cause of death was consistent with hypothermia in a man that had used amphetamine. A postmortem found 102 micrograms of amphetamine in Mr Davies' body. There was also an amount of norketamine (a metabolite of ketamine), as well as two prescribed anti-psychotic drugs. He said there was no indication of forceful restraint, no gripping marks to his upper arms or bruising to his wrists. Detective Inspector Christine Beaton, of Dyfed Powys Police, said an investigation was unable to conclude any suspicion of third-party involvement. 'We can't rule out third party involvement or say he wasn't killed elsewhere and put there, but there's nothing at all to suggest this is the case,' she said.
11-05-2025
New Chairman appointed at Pembrokeshire County Council
A CARMARTHENSHIRE man who raped and sexually abused two children, will spend the next 12 years behind bars, thanks to the courage of his victims. Lloyd Davies, 29, of Caecoed, Llandybie, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 9, 2025). His victims, both girls, were aged between six and 11 years old at the time of the offences. One of Davies' victims bravely came forward after confiding in a friend and subsequently a counsellor in her college, before reporting the crimes to the police in December 2022. The court heard that Davies first raped her while they played the computer game, Minecraft, when she was still in primary school. The significance of the computer game and accounts provided by both victim and suspect proved invaluable in the court proceedings, providing additional strength and credibility to the victims' allegations in court, which led to a unanimous guilty verdict. The victim suffered four further incidents of sexual abuse and rape by Davies. She admitted that it had impacted her childhood and that her anxiety stemmed from years of abuse and concealing the truth. Following Davies' arrest, a second victim came forward to the police. She said that she had been sexually abused by him when she was around nine years old. A police investigation was carried out by Dyfed-Powys Police which resulted in Lloyd Davies being found guilty of three counts of raping a child under 13, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault on a child under 13 and making a category A indecent image of a child, when he appeared before Swansea Crown Court on March 26, 2025. Speaking after Davies' sentencing, Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: 'This case is an important reminder that justice can still be served years after any abuse. I can assure any victim contemplating whether or not to come forward that a delay in reporting does not mean you will not be listened to or believed. 'Our specialist officers will listen and support you through the process, no matter how long ago the crime may have taken place. I hope this outcome demonstrates that it is never too late to speak out. 'A comprehensive police investigation by Detective Constable Katie Rees resulted in a number of charges being authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service. DC Rees provided expert support for the victims and their families throughout the investigation, providing them with the confidence to proceed and provide evidence in court. 'Most importantly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the two victims in this case, who have been extremely courageous in coming forward to police and recounting the trauma they suffered as young children. 'They have showed immense strength, character and resilience and should be proud of how they have conducted themselves throughout the investigation. 'It is thanks to their bravery that Lloyd Davies will now spend a significant spell in prison, making our communities a safer place. I hope today's sentence will give some sense of closure and they can now try and move on with their lives.' The victims of this case wish to thank the police for the amazing support received throughout the process and would encourage others to come forward, reassuring victims that if they find the strength to come forward and talk, they will be listened to. If you need support for rape or sexual offence, you can find help and support here: Support after rape and sexual assault | Dyfed-Powys PoliceTo report a rape or sexual offence, visit our website here: Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Dyfed-Powys Police
