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North Wales Live
02-08-2025
- North Wales Live
Dog owner whose XL Bully mauled boy, £500k car theft plotter and arsonists jailed in July
A dog owner whose XL Bully badly injured a boy, a £500k car theft plotter and two arsonists were among criminals jailed in North Wales in July. There was also a man who threatened to cut off his victim's face and another who dragged his wife down the stairs. In other cases a "reckless and erratic" man smashed a hair salon window showering two women inside with glass, and another crook stabbed a man in the stomach after hitting another with a champagne bottle in an earlier incident. Judges sentenced these offenders to immediate custody. Here we present a summary of these and other shocking cases which led to imprisonment last month. Barthomiej Swedroski A Wrexham man who dragged his wife down the stairs before punching her "about ten times" has been jailed. Barthomiej Swedroski, 36, admitted three separate offences of assault and was jailed for 20 weeks, Caernarfon Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Ryan Rothwell said the couple, from Poland, had been in a relationship. Last November Swedroski was laid off from work and began drinking a lot. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here He assaulted Martyna Swedroski three times at the Atlea Estate, New Broughton, Wrexham. In the first incident on November 5 the defendant hit her several times in the face. She got a nosebleed and a scratch on her right eyebrow. Ethan Jordan Jones An abusive man woke up his partner using a lighter on her wrist during a string of assaults. Ethan Jones, who has "deep-seated jealousy issues", also grabbed the woman by her hair and punched her and said he "used to be an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter", a court heard today. The 25-year-old, of Llwyn Hudol, Maesgeirchen, Bangor, pleaded guilty to four assaults causing actual bodily harm, and intentional strangulation. A judge at Caernarfon Crown Court jailed him for 27 months for ABH and for 15 months for intentional strangulation, to run concurrently. Prosecutor Dafydd Roberts said Jones and the woman had been in a relationship for six years. His partner said he was "caring and thoughtful" at first but then they argued and it turned "toxic". Kevin Evans A balaclava-clad arsonist waging a "vendetta" set fire to a house in Caernarfon. Kevin Evans poured petrol through the letterbox of a property before setting it alight. He had filled a jerry can with the petrol before pushing the nozzle through the letterbox, before later putting the container, which was in a bag for life, into a skip. The defendant was also seen carrying a long knife or machete. The occupant spotted what was happening and managed to flee with her partner. A casualty injured in the incident named Evans, 33, as the suspected arsonist, and he was later arrested. Police rushed to his home and found him trying to wash his petrol-soiled clothes. Tomas Politovas A man had been jailed for his part in a "sophisticated" plot to steal 16 high value cars worth up to £500,000 from Cheshire and North Wales. Tomas Politovas covered CCTV and doorbell cameras with duct tape and used high tech equipment and GPS jamming devices before stealing BMWs and other vehicles. He would break them up with accomplices probably to sell the parts abroad. Even when the schemers' barn in Norfolk was raided their thefts continued. But a judge praised "alert" police officers in Prestatyn after they spotted Politovas's suspicious car and arrested him. He was found with a rucksack containing a Stanley knife and other "tools of his trade," Caernarfon Crown Court heard. John Haden A "reckless and erratic" man smashed the window of a hair salon, showering two women inside it with glass. The hairdresser and customer both needed hospital treatment. Police caught John Haden, 30, nearby following the incident in Wrexham city centre on June 12. The defendant, of Chester Road, Wrexham, admitted two charges of wounding by causing grievous bodily harm without intent. A judge at Caernarfon Crown Court jailed him for a total of 210 days after also activating part of a suspended sentence from an earlier offence. You can sign up for all the Martin Pritchard A knifeman threatened to cut a man's face off in a North Wales pub. Martin Pritchard targeted his victim after an incident in a car park involving Pritchard's sister. A judge jailed Pritchard, 43, of Scott Close, Marchwiel, for 16 months for threatening a person with a knife in a public place. Caernarfon Crown Court heard the offence took place at The Black Lion Inn in Bersham, Wrexham on July 13 last year. Prosecutor Ryan Rothwell said the complainant Mark Robertson heard a commotion outside the Black Lion Inn at 8pm. He saw a Ford Kuga - with the driver who appeared to be intoxicated - and a stationary Range Rover in the car park. Samual Allan A man who was "evicted" from a homeless hostel had £3,000 of his belongings stolen after he had gone. His possessions included an Omega watch worth £2,000. He later had to go to prison on remand in "tattered" clothes due to the burglary at the hostel in Flintshire. Samual Allan, 36, of Halkyn Road, Holywell, admitted committing burglary. A judge jailed him for 16 months. Mold Crown Court heard victim Robert Salisbury had been living in room 13 of the homeless hostel. Brian Storey A drugs trafficker used encrypted chat messages to import heroin worth £900,000 from Spain and the Netherlands to North Wales and elsewhere in the UK. Brian Storey set up a dummy run but when the drug was imported for real one consignment was intercepted by police. Officers swooped on Storey's home but he escaped and went on the run for almost 23 months. The 49-year-old was then spotted by chance in Chester and arrested, after his accomplices had earlier been caught in a Mold pub car park. A judge at Caernarfon Crown Court jailed Storey, of Fulwood Park, south Liverpool, for 12 years and seven months for conspiracy to import a class A drug between January 1 and May 5, 2020. Philip Powell A man turned up at a woman's home with a machete threatening "phone the police and you're dead," a court heard. The victim, who was at home with her partner, heard a loud "thudding bang", followed by a shattering noise and a further loud bang. She realised the porch window had been smashed and called the police following the incident, which happened shortly before midnight on June 5 this year. Jade Tufail, prosecuting, said the victim reviewed CCTV footage at the property and saw Phillip Powell using a machete to break through the front door and shouting "phone the police and you're dead". Matthew Ridyard Two burglars who broke into the Pontins holiday camp in Prestatyn fled after being disturbed by a guard. The pair ran from the scene, leaving behind a bag filled with bathroom mixer taps. However they made the decision to return to the site, and were seen getting into a silver car before it was driven away. Officers stopped the vehicle and the pair were arrested and charged with burglary. Matthew Ridyard, 28, of John Street, Rhyl, was jailed for six months after pleading guilty to burglary, while his co-defendant Michael Brady, 45, of Bath Street, Rhyl, was handed a 20-week sentence suspended for 18 months. Carly Leanne Griffiths A prolific offender has been jailed after she admitted to shoplifting and other offences in the Wrexham area. Carly Leanne Griffiths appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court yesterday (Wednesday, July 23) where she was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison. A North Wales Police spokesperson said: "The 35-year-old, of no fixed abode, had pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a shop, harassment - breach of a restraining order, attempt theft from shop and assault. The court was told that the offences took place on the 12th, 13th and 21st July from the Co-op store on Prince Charles Road in Wrexham." Sergeant Tom Dewberry, Wrexham City District Support Sergeant added: 'Griffiths is a prolific offender, and I welcome that she is now behind bars. The impact that her offending had on the people and business affected cannot be underestimated." Andrew Phipps A man threatened to kill his neighbour before arming himself with a knife and chisel. Andrew Phipps also threatened to kill himself and others as he shouted while within a block of flats at Bron-y-Crest in Denbigh. Phipps was suffering with mental health issues at the time, a sentencing hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court heard. Phipps, 57, of, Bron-y-Crest, Denbigh, who appeared by video link from prison, admitted making threats to kill, criminal damage and affray. Richard Edwards, prosecuting, said on March 23, 2025, the victim, who had been a neighbour of Phipps for ten years, had gone round to his flat with some milk. However she became concerned when she saw knives on the floor, he made her a cup of coffee with no coffee in it and seemed confused. Ian Parry A dog owner has been jailed after his XL Bully mauled a boy in the street in an horrific attack. Nine-year-old Caio Shaw lost his right thumb after Ian Parry's dog escaped on to a street in Caernarfon and pounced on the child. Caernarfon Crown Court heard Parry's daughter had probably let the dog out of its cage and it went on to North Penrallt and soon "focussed" on Caio, who was then aged eight. It lunged at him and a woman Yvette Hodgson tried to fight off the dog. Parry, 45, himself came out of his house with a knife and stabbed the dog twice. Caleb Corr A landlord rushed to put out flames after a tenant set fire to his flat. The tenant also threw a glass bottle at a neighbour and brandished a knife before police got into the property and drew a Taser. Eventually Caleb Corr was arrested but he spat all around his police car cell. The 33-year-old, of Don Flats in Pentraeth, admitted several offences. a judge at Caernarfon Crown Court jailed him for four years for arson being reckless as to whether lives were endangered. Prosecutor Myles Wilson said some residents at Don Flats in Pentraeth smelt smoke coming from Corr's ground floor flat in the early hours of May 13. Aaron Roberts A man who stabbed a victim in the stomach and injured another man with a champagne bottle has been jailed for over four years. Aaron Roberts, 31, committed the offences in May and July last year. Roberts, of North Drive, Rhyl, admitted wounding, affray and three counts of criminal damage in one attack, and assault in the second incident. Prosecutor Richard Edwards said a man called Levi Lampard had been with his girlfriend Amy Adams to Wetherspoons in Holywell on July 24 last year. Afterwards Ms Adams suggested they pop over to her friend Sian's house. However the defendant Roberts was also in the house, the court heard.
Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Irish court rejects Conor McGregor appeal in civil rape case
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Irish UFC fighter Conor McGregor has lost his appeal against a civil jury's finding that he raped a woman in 2018. DUBLIN – Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Conor McGregor on July 31 lost his appeal against a civil jury's finding that he raped a woman in a hotel room in 2018, with Ireland's Court of Appeal rejecting his appeal in its entirety. The plaintiff, Nikita Hand, alleged that McGregor sexually assaulted her on Dec 9, 2018. A jury in Ireland's High Court last November found in favour of Hand and ordered McGregor to pay her nearly €250,000 (S$370,000) in damages. McGregor, 36, denied the allegation and said that he had 'fully consensual sex' with Hand. He also denied causing bruising to the plaintiff. In the appeal heard earlier in July, lawyers for McGregor said that the judge erred in directing the jury to decide whether he 'assaulted' rather than 'sexually assaulted' the victim. Judge Brian O'Moore said on July 31 that the appeal court had no doubt the overall effect of the trial judge's charge was to tell them the central allegation by Hand against McGregor was that he had raped her. 'The jury found as a fact that Mr. McGregor had assaulted Ms Hand by raping her,' O'Moore said, reading out the ruling. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump modifies reciprocal tariffs ahead of deadline; rate on Singapore likely to remain at 10% Singapore 'For one last time, let's go home': Tears, laughs as last scheduled Jetstar Asia flight touches down Singapore Over half of job applications by retrenched Jetstar Asia staff led to offers or interviews: CEO Singapore No entry: ICA to bar high-risk, undesirable travellers from boarding S'pore-bound ships, flights Business More new homes are coming up in northern Singapore Business OCBC Q2 profit drops 7% to $1.82b as interest rates fall, to pay lower interim dividend Asia Thailand seeks neutral venue for border talks with Cambodia Singapore 'Switching careers just as I became a dad was risky, but I had to do it for my family' McGregor's legal team had also argued that the judge should not have allowed a line of questioning during cross-examination regarding McGregor's 'no comment' responses in a police interview. That ground was also rejected. Hand embraced a number of people beside her after the appeal court ruling. 'To every survivor out there I know how hard it is but please don't be silenced... You deserve to be heard, you also deserve justice. Today, I can finally move on and try to heal,' Hand said in a statement outside the court. Hand told the high court in November that she and a friend made contact with McGregor, whom she knew, after a work Christmas party. She said they were driven by McGregor to a party in a penthouse room of a Dublin hotel where drugs and alcohol were consumed. She said McGregor, who was not in court on July 31, took her to a bedroom in the penthouse and sexually assaulted her. Hand's lawyer told the jury that when she was referred to a sexual assault treatment unit the day after the alleged assault, a doctor was so concerned that he directed that photographs be taken of her injuries. REUTERS
Arab News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
6th edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships kicks off in Al-Ain
AL-AIN: The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships on Monday got underway at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain and is set to feature a record participation of more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 countries. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Organized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until July 27. It is the first time that it has been hosted in Al-Ain. For the first time since the championship's inception, competitions in the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, were held, with the UAE national team making an impressive start to the tournament. Kerrith Brown, president of IMMAF, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. He noted that this edition is the largest since the championship began in 2019 and serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for promoting positive values among youth worldwide. He highlighted that the UAE has become a leading model for hosting international sporting events, supported by its ambitious vision, world-class infrastructure and commitment to empowering youth in the field of sports. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and chairman of the MMA Committee, said: 'Hosting the championship in the Al-Ain Region for the first time reflects the international sporting community's confidence in the UAE's organizational capabilities. It also highlights the country's efforts in enhancing its sports infrastructure and expanding its hosting map to cover all emirates. 'The inclusion of the Youth D category this year introduces a new dimension to the competition and aligns with a forward-thinking vision to support and nurture talent from a young age. This contributes to developing future champions, instilling a positive competitive spirit early on, and preparing a generation with the skills and mindset needed to represent the UAE on the global stage.' Kyle Wilson, coach of the US national team, commented: 'We are here with around 30 athletes. This isn't our first time in the UAE, as we've competed before in a championship held in Dubai. The level of organization at this event is exceptional. Everything runs smoothly and meets the highest standards, allowing athletes and coaches to focus fully on the matches. We've trained hard in the lead-up and had a good performance today. We're looking forward to tomorrow's bouts.'
Emirates 24/7
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Emirates 24/7
Sixth edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships kicks off in Al Ain
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships kicked off on Monday at ADNEC Centre Al Ain. The event, held in the city for the first time, features a record participation of more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 countries. Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until 27th July. The opening day featured high-intensity bouts and a vibrant atmosphere, with strong attendance from spectators and the participation of rising talent from across the globe. For the first time since the championship's inception, competitions in the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, were held. This milestone reflects the organisers' commitment to broadening participation and supporting the development of young athletes from an early age. Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. He noted that this edition is the largest since the championship began in 2019 and serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for promoting positive values among youth worldwide. He added that the UAE has become a leading model for hosting international sporting events, supported by its ambitious vision, world-class infrastructure and commitment to empowering youth in the field of sports. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, said, 'Hosting the championship in the Al Ain Region for the first time reflects the international sporting community's confidence in the UAE's organisational capabilities. It also highlights the country's efforts to enhance its sports infrastructure and expand its hosting map to cover all emirates. He added that the inclusion of the Youth D category this year introduces a new dimension to the competition and aligns with a forward-thinking vision to support and nurture talent from a young age. 'This contributes to developing future champions, instilling a positive competitive spirit early on, and preparing a generation with the skills and mindset needed to represent the UAE on the global stage,' he stated. Al Dhaheri expressed his sincere gratitude to the wise leadership and extended his appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of this global event. He emphasised that such support serves as a powerful motivator for the younger generations to continue striving for excellence and to elevate Emirati sports to greater heights. Kyle Wilson, coach of the United States national team, said his team is participating in the championship with around 30 male and female athletes, praising the outstanding level of organisation.
Khaleej Times
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
IMMAF Youth World Championships gets underway in Al Ain
Under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships got underway on Monday in the Al Ain Region, Abu Dhabi. The event, held in the city for the first time, is taking place at ADNEC Centre Al Ain and features a record participation of more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 countries. Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until July 27. The opening day featured high-intensity bouts and a vibrant atmosphere, with strong attendance from spectators and the participation of rising talent from across the globe. For the first time since the championship's inception, competitions in the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, were held. This milestone reflects the organisers' commitment to broadening participation and supporting the development of young athletes from an early age. The UAE National Team made an impressive start on the opening day. Their performance highlighted their strong technical preparation and determination to achieve further success throughout the week. Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. He noted that this edition is the largest since the championship began in 2019 and serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for promoting positive values among youth worldwide. He added that the UAE has become a leading model for hosting international sporting events, supported by its ambitious vision, world-class infrastructure and commitment to empowering youth in the field of sports. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, said: 'Hosting the championship in the Al Ain Region for the first time reflects the international sporting community's confidence in the UAE's organisational capabilities. It also highlights the country's efforts in enhancing its sports infrastructure and expanding its hosting map to cover all emirates. 'The inclusion of the Youth D category this year introduces a new dimension to the competition and aligns with a forward-thinking vision to support and nurture talent from a young age. This contributes to developing future champions, instilling a positive competitive spirit early on, and preparing a generation with the skills and mindset needed to represent the UAE on the global stage."
