Wales News: Vape Boss Fined £250K, Fire Destroys Home, Rugby Player Dies
Wales News: Vape Boss Fined £250K, Fire, Rugby Player Dies

Welcome to WalesOnline's live blog for Monday, June 8. We bring you the latest news from across Wales, including traffic, travel, and major UK and international stories. Share your updates by tweeting @WalesOnline or commenting below.

Vape Shop Boss Ordered to Pay £250,000

A businessman who made a fortune selling vapes has been ordered to repay £250,000 or face an additional two and a half years in prison. Ethan Smith, already serving 41 months for fraud and 12 months for lying about a BMW's ownership, must now hand over his ill-gotten gains. Smith owned a fleet of luxury cars and two boats.

Woman Loses Home in Suspected Petrol Bomb Attack

A Pontypridd woman described the terrifying moment her home went up in flames in what she believes was a petrol bomb attack. The fire broke out on June 1 at her home in Glyncoch. She said she saw two boys pointing a phone at her house before the smoke alarm sounded. She has lost everything in the blaze.

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Welsh Rugby Player Dies Suddenly at 32

Ryan Jones, known as 'Bonesy', a player for Hollybush RFC, died suddenly on Sunday. The dad-of-three from New Tredegar was also a referee and coach. Hollybush RFC said: 'It is with broken hearts that we share the news that we have lost another one of our own.'

Drone Pictures Show Fire Damage at Events Centre

Drone images reveal the scale of damage from a fire at Ty Menter in Navigation Park, Abercynon. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the industrial fire, which affected the nearby A470.

Murder Suspect Detained Under Mental Health Act

A 50-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering a 52-year-old woman in Caldicot has been detained under the Mental Health Act. Police confirmed there is no ongoing risk to the public.

New Next Store Approved for Caerphilly

Plans for a Next store at Gallagher Retail Park have been approved, potentially creating 21 jobs. The fashion chain will convert a vacant unit.

Tributes Paid to A-Level Student Killed in Cardiff Crash

Dominic Luke Bailey, 18, died in a two-car crash on the A48 near Cardiff on Saturday. His family said he was a clever young man who could put a smile on anyone's face. He had planned to travel after finishing his A-levels.

BBC Panorama Investigates Welsh Billionaire David Sullivan

The BBC's Panorama programme, titled 'Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss', investigates former West Ham chairman David Sullivan. It airs Monday at 8pm.

Ely Rioter Sent to Cells After Outburst in Court

During sentencing for the Ely riots, defendant Ryan Knight shouted from the dock, asking why the names of the two boys who died were not mentioned. Judge Lloyd Clarke ordered him to be taken to a cell. Thirty people are being sentenced for their roles in the riot following the deaths of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans.

Person Hit by Train in North Wales

Services between Chester and Llandudno Junction were delayed by up to 60 minutes after a person was hit by a train at Flint. Transport for Wales advised disruptions until at least 4:30pm.

Man Arrested After Assault in Wrexham

A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after an assault at Rhos Kebabs on Market Street. He has been released on bail.

Man Jailed for Historic Rape

Stephen Thomas, 51, from Merthyr, was sentenced to 15 years for historic rape of a girl under 16 and seven counts of assault. The attacks occurred over five years.

Swansea Half Marathon Attracts Record Numbers

The Swansea Half Marathon returned on Sunday with thousands of runners. Organisers said the 2026 edition is set to be the biggest ever.

Coaches Torched in Arson Attack

An investigation is underway after a fire destroyed around 10 coaches at an industrial estate in Aberaman. Police are treating the fire as suspicious.

Teen Dies in Cardiff Crash

An 18-year-old man from Ely died in a two-vehicle collision on the A48 near St Nicholas on Saturday. Two others were taken to hospital.

Weather Forecast

The Met Office forecasts a rainy morning turning sunny by lunchtime, with highs of 16°C.

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