Matthew Whale, 52, a car sales manager from Killay, Swansea, was found dead in the water off one of Wales’ most popular beaches after leaving notes to his relatives at home
20:20, 17 Mar 2026Updated 20:20, 17 Mar 2026
A 52 year old man was discovered dead in the sea off one of Wales’ most frequented beaches, having left notes for his family.
Matthew Whale, a car sales manager from Killay, Swansea, was found deceased in the water with minor injuries by rescue teams on 7 March, a day after his family reported him missing, an inquest heard. On Tuesday, Swansea Coroners’ Court heard that Mr Whale had left several notes for his family at his home.
Upon discovering the notes, his family immediately alerted South Wales Police, triggering a multi-agency search involving Mountain Rescue and HM Coastguard.
Advertisement
Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
During the search, Mr Whale’s car was located in the Rhossili car park, and CCTV footage captured him walking towards Worms Head hours before volunteers found him in the sea.
The inquest heard that he was found with minor injuries and no immediately apparent significant signs of trauma. Mr Whale’s body was transported to hospital at 1.05pm on 7 March, and police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, reports Wales Online.
Coroner Aled Griffiths told the brief hearing that he had reason to suspect Mr Whale’s death was unnatural and adjourned for a full inquest to be held on 25 August. He extended his condolences to Mr Whale’s family.
Controversial legislation that would have made Scotland the first nation in the UK to legalise assisted dying has been defeated at Holyrood.
Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) voted 69 against to 57 in favour, with one abstention, effectively striking down the Bill.
Opponents of the proposed law, which would have allowed terminally ill Scots to seek help to end their lives, hailed the outcome as a “victory for the vulnerable”.
The decision followed an emotional debate within Holyrood, during which Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, who introduced the legislation, issued a stark warning.
Advertisement
He stated that many who voted against his Bill would come to “regret deeply” their choice.
Mr McArthur added that this regret would not be felt “as deeply or as painfully as those dying Scots and their families who desperately need us to act with courage, compassion and urgency”.
Liam McArthur is consoled by Elena Whitham after the Bill was defeated in Scottish Parliament (Jane Barlow/PA Wire)
The Liberal Democrat MSP had insisted the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill – if it had been passed – would have been the “most heavily safeguarded assisted dying law anywhere in the world”.
Advertisement
But Dr Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of the Care Not Killing campaign group, said: “We are relieved that MSPs have decided not to back this legislation.
“We believe the Bill posed serious risks to the most vulnerable in society – including disabled people and those suffering from domestic abuse.”
He added: “Now the debate in Scotland has been concluded, I hope we can move on to the real issue, how to care for people at the end of life, because the real scandal is that one in four people who would benefit from palliative care across our country are currently not receiving it.”
Meanwhile, Dr Stewart Weir, head of the Christian charity Care for Scotland, said: “We’re delighted members have rejected this irredeemably flawed Bill. It is a real victory for the vulnerable.”
Advertisement
He added: “This Bill would have opened a Pandora’s box which would have fundamentally changed healthcare across Scotland.
“There is no doubt in my mind that members have made a positive and truly compassionate decision today.”
The Bill had proposed that to be eligible for an assisted death a person would have to have two doctors certify they have a terminal illness and the mental capacity to request help to die.
An amendment passed last week meanwhile meant that only those reasonably expected to die within six months could make such a request.
Advertisement
However, opponents of the legislation raised concerns about the impact the legislation could have on vulnerable people, such as the disabled, and about the risks of coercion.
First Minster John Swinney during the final Stage 3 vote (Jane Barlow/PA Wire)
Others meanwhile warned of a lack of safeguards for medical professionals in the Bill, which cannot be included as employment issues are reserved to Westminster.
That saw groups in the medical profession, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCS) and Royal Pharmaceutical Society, speak out against the Bill.
Advertisement
The Bill marked the third attempt by Holyrood to pass assisted dying legislation – though Mr McArthur’s was the first to make it past the first vote.
However, after that vote a number of MSPs withdrew their support, citing concerns about the legislation.
If the vote had passed Scotland would have been the first nation in the UK to back assisted dying – with a similar Bill at Westminster now likely to run out of time to clear the House of Lords.
In February, Jersey passed its draft assisted dying law and the legislation is awaiting royal assent so it can formally become law on the island.
Advertisement
The move follows the passage of legislation in the Isle of Man, where the Tynwald became the first parliament in the British Isles to agree a framework for assisted dying in March 2025.
Mr McArthur said afterwards he was “obviously deeply disappointed” with the result of the final vote.
He thanked his supporters, and told terminally ill Scots and their families: “I am sorry that Parliament has denied you this compassionate choice tonight.
“However, for now we should be proud that this is by far the most votes that an assisted dying Bill has ever secured in the Scottish Parliament.
Advertisement
“This is not a conversation that is going away. For so long as dying Scots continue to suffer as a result of the lack of choice and safety afforded to them by the current law, I’m certain that it will be an issue in front of Parliament once more.”
Similarly Ally Thomson, director of campaign group Dignity in Dying Scotland, said: “I am so deeply sad that the dying people who want this choice have been dealt this blow.
“But for as long as dying Scots continue to suffer, this debate is not going away.
“There is now near universal recognition that the current law is harmful to dying people.”
The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals by will be broadcast later this year
Two staff members from a Belfast-based theatre school have received recognition as local theatre heroes at The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals for their community contributions.
Advertisement
BBC Local Radio’s Make a Difference Show will broadcast a segment about the Local Theatre Heroes on Sunday, 22 March, showcasing how National Lottery funding has supported theatre initiatives across local communities.
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than 29,000 theatre-related projects have received support across the nation, with investment exceeding £1.4 billion dedicated to restoring venues, fostering creativity and maintaining theatre accessibility for everyone.
Kerry Rodgers, Creative Arts Manager, and Conor Anderson, Performing Arts Executive at Belfast’s Rainbow Factory Performing Arts School, were honoured as local theatre heroes at The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals, filmed in Manchester in January, acknowledging the school’s community work. They appeared on stage alongside six other local theatre heroes from around the country to rapturous applause from the 12,000-strong audience.
They spoke with BBC Local Radio’s Make a Difference Show presenter Gaby Roslin, joined by six other local theatre heroes from different regions. They have significantly influenced their communities, made possible through National Lottery funding.
Advertisement
Rainbow Factory, which forms part of YouthAction Northern Ireland – a regional youth organisation with over 80 years of operation – runs weekly dance and drama sessions for young people between 9-25 years old. The organisation utilises performing arts across all disciplines to transform young people’s lives and perspectives.
They strive to keep their services affordable or free wherever feasible, ensuring everyone feels welcome regardless of their background. The organisation has secured over £4M in National Lottery funding spanning 1998-2025.
Kerry Rodgers Creative Arts Manager, and Conor Anderson Performing Arts Executive, Rainbow Factory Performing Arts School said “We’re proud to have Rainbow Factory recognised as a Local Theatre Hero at The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals and to have been given the platform to share the transformative work that Rainbow Factory does for young people. All of this has been made possible because of you, The National Lottery players.”
The Local Theatre Heroes feature will air on BBC Local Radio’s Make a Difference Show on Sunday 22 March, whilst Big Night of Musicals by The National Lottery will broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer during Spring 2026.
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah was stretchered off in the latter stages of Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie
23:04, 17 Mar 2026Updated 23:04, 17 Mar 2026
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has delivered an injury update on Trevoh Chalobah after the defender was stretchered off in agony against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night. The Englishman was carried off the pitch in the 85th minute following a late challenge from PSG’s Achraf Hakimi.
And Rosenior has revealed the latest when questioned about his condition on TNT Sports after Chelsea‘s 8-2 on aggregate Champions League last 16 exit. He said: “I just asked the medical team, he’s got a high ankle sprain, so I’m praying it’s nothing too serious because of the way Trevoh’s been performing and we can’t afford to lose another defender at this moment.”
The news marks another setback on a difficult evening for Chelsea. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola and Senny Mayulu secured an emphatic victory for PSG.
Rosenior’s side were second-best across both legs, and former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes his old club now have some soul-searching to do.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, he said: “That is a real leveller of where this club is compared to Paris. PSG are the gold standard, they are the champions of Europe, but it showed that Chelsea are a million miles away over the course of two legs.
Advertisement
“This isn’t a Liam Rosenior problem. Liam’s doing what he’s doing; he’s just come through the door. This is a problem with strategy and the direction of where the club are going. This is a real eye-opener to where we are as a club at the moment.
“There’s a lot of money being spent, and we need to really think of what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. That’s simply not good enough.
“There’s 20-year-olds and 19-year-olds on the pitch today. There’s time to grow, improve and get better.
Advertisement
“They’ll have better nights in their career. But as a football club, you’ve got to go football club first, not business first. Simple as that, or else you’ll get performances like that.”
The FA Cup now represents Chelsea’s sole opportunity for silverware this campaign. The Blues have been handed a favourable home tie against League One stragglers Port Vale, though Premier League giants Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool all remain in contention.
Chelsea are also locked in a fight to secure next season’s Champions League qualification. Their current standing, sixth place, would see them fall short, although they trail fifth-placed Liverpool by just a single point, which ought to prove sufficient given the collective showing of English sides in Europe this term.
Rosenior’s squad are next in action at Everton on Saturday evening (5:30pm GMT).
Advertisement
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Advertisement
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Chalobah went down in pain after twisting his ankle in a challenge with Achraf Hakimi in the closing stages of the last-16 second leg at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues centre-back was eventually stretchered off the pitch, with Chelsea forced to play the final minutes with ten men.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game about Chalobah’s withdrawal, Liam Rosenior said: ‘I just asked the medical team, and he’s got a high ankle sprain.
Advertisement
‘So I’m praying it’s nothing too serious because the way Trevor has been performing. We can’t afford to lose another defender in this moment.’
Chelsea are set to be without Reece James for an extended period after he picked up a hamstring injury, while Malo Gusto missed Wednesday’s defeat due to illness.
Chalobah’s injury blow adds salt to the wounds after what was a damaging night for Chelsea against the tournament’s defending champions.
Your football fix
Metro‘s Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week’s biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.
Chalobah twisted his ankle badly after a challenge by Achraf Hakimi (Picture: Getty)
Chalobah has been a key player for Chelsea this season (Picture: Getty)
Trailing 5-2 after the first leg, Rosenior’s side needed a miraculous comeback, but instead went further behind when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored after just six minutes.
Bradley Barcola doubled the lead on the night just eight minutes later with a superb finish before Senny Mayulu rounded out an 8-2 aggregate win for the Parisiens with a second-half strike off the bench.
Advertisement
Reflecting on his side’s defeat, Rosenior added: ‘A tough night. We knew it was a tough ask and to start the game in the manner that we did.
‘We had the ball in the final third but you can’t make mistakes at this level. We had the ball in their box and Barcola hit one from 25 yards into the top corner. Their belief grows..
‘They were clinical. The third goal, ball breaks and he hits in the top corner. I haven’t looked at the stats yet, but we had a lot of shots. They didn’t make mistakes. I want to thank the fans because they saw how hard the lads worked.’
PSG now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of Galatasaray and Liverpool, with the English side trailing 1-0 after the first leg in Turkey.
Firefighters were first called to their home at around 1am on June 30, 2023. Gemma died at the scene, while Oliver and Lily later died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Scott Peden, Gemma’s partner and Oliver and Lily’s dad, suffered serious injuries in the fire.
At the time, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue said the likely cause of the fire was an e-bike. A pre-inquest review was held by Coroner Elizabeth Gray at Vantage House in Huntingdon on Tuesday (March 17).
Mr Peden, who was in a coma for a month after the fire, appeared remotely. Ms Germeney’s parents and other family members attended the hearing in person.
Miles Bennett, counsel for Mr Peden, asked if a man named Mr Severinov would be called as a witness and declared as an interested person. Mr Bennett told the court that Mr Severinov may have been involved in modifying the e-bike battery that caused the fire.
Advertisement
Mr Bennett said: “Someone carried out a quick fix to that lithium battery.” He added that “after that quick fix was carried out, there was a tumultuous fire at that residence” which led to the deaths.
Mr Bennett said the inquest should consider “the changes to the battery and the problem with the battery and the problem with the battery”. He said someone who may have modified a battery that led to the fire should “at very least be a witness”.
Ms Gray said that at the future full inquest, the “purchase of the bike, the battery being stolen and the modification” would be included in background information.
Advertisement
Mr Bennett also raised concerns about investigation into smoke alarms at the family home. He said there were “mixed messages” about whether the alarms worked or “did not go off” at the time.
Steve Fleming from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue, who appeared remotely, told the court that there were smoke alarms at the property. Due to the “intensity of the fire”, Mr Fleming said it was “nearly impossible” to look at the alarms and only part of the alarms could be recovered.
Mr Fleming added that he didn’t think the smoke alarms were a relevant factor “due to the escape route being blocked due to the fire itself”.
A representative from the Office for Product Safety and Standards was also present in court. Ms Gray adjourned the hearing for a two-day inquest to be held from August onwards into the deaths.
Advertisement
At the full inquest, several witnesses will be called including representatives from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue, and Cambridgeshire Police. There will also be two witnesses from OPSS, one who investigated and another on policies. Mr Peden and Mr Severinov may also be called as witnesses.
The 27-year-old scored a brilliant goal in the first half to open the scoring for Arsenal before Declan Rice struck in the second half to secure the victory for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal will now play Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-final after they overturned a 3-0 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the first leg with a 5-0 win in the return fixture in Portugal.
Eze, meanwhile, went down injured in the second half and was replaced in the 69th minute by Kai Havertz.
Advertisement
When asked about his injury after the match, Eze replied: ‘Yeah, I’m alright. I’ll be okay.’
Wimborne Care Home on Hayling Island is a home for residents who may be frail or living with dementia. It has 47 light and airy rooms, a broad activities programme, delicious food and throughout there is a team of dedicated staff who are employed for their caring attitudes above all else. Wimborne also has a great reputation locally for engaging with their local community, offering a wide range of regular events that are open to all and certainly popular.
Durham Academy has been described as “a small school with big aspirations for its pupils” in its latest inspection which found that attendance has improved “significantly,” with the gap between disadvantaged pupils’ attendance and national averages closing rapidly.
An inspection by Ofsted was carried out on January 20, and filed its report on March 9.
That report said: “Pupils’ attendance has improved significantly over time.
“Rates of persistent absence have declined sharply.
Advertisement
“The gap between disadvantaged pupils’ attendance and national averages is closing rapidly.
“This has been achieved through a consistent, determined effort by all stakeholders.”
The school is set to undergo a transformation in the future. (Image: Dawn McNamara Photography)
The report praised the students’ understanding of behavioural expectations, their engagement in lessons, and the high-quality wellbeing and emotional support available to them.
However, concerns were raised about the students’ attainment in national tests and examinations.
Advertisement
Despite improvements, it was noted that few students have secured the basic qualifications needed for future education, employment or training.
The report stated: “Pupils’ attainment in national tests and examinations has not been as good as it could be over time.
“Too few pupils have secured the basic qualifications they need for future education, employment or training.”
In response to these findings, the academy has been identified as having a “Strong standard” overall but needing attention in certain areas.
Advertisement
The staff were commended for their commitment to professional development and the school management team was praised for ensuring the staff have adequate time and support to fulfil their roles.
The report said: “There is a relentless commitment by leaders to enhance the experiences and opportunities provided to pupils.
“This work includes support in accessing university courses, sponsorship opportunities and holiday study programmes.”
However, the report pointed out the need for improved examination results and the importance of closing knowledge gaps among pupils.
Advertisement
The report added: “Pupils’ educational experience is much better than it was in the past.
“Many pupils engage enthusiastically in their learning.
“Staff recognise the variety of life experiences pupils have.
“Careful consideration is given to ensure that all pupils thrive and benefit from high-quality support for their emotional and wellbeing needs.”
HSDC was proud to celebrate National Careers Week 2026 recently, showcasing the college’s commitment to preparing students for their futures through sector-leading guidance, inspirational encounters and outstanding progression outcomes and achievements across all three campuses.
Everything you need to know on new tax rules for 27,000 people in Northern Ireland | Belfast Live
Need to know
It marks the biggest change to the Self Assessment system since 1997
HMRC stock image
Everything you need to know with just weeks to prepare for new tax rules for 27,000 people in Northern Ireland.
From next month, thousands of sole traders and landlords in Northern Ireland must use Making Tax Digital (MTD) software
It marks the biggest change to Self Assessment system since 1997
The 27,000 sole traders and landlords in Northern Ireland with a turnover of more than £50,000 from self-employment and property have just weeks left to prepare for MTD for Income Tax.
From 6 April 2026, those with income above the threshold must use compatible software to keep digital records, send four simple quarterly updates of their income and expenses and submit their tax return to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
New statistics released by HMRC show an estimated 20,000 sole traders in Northern Ireland and a further 1,000 landlords will be required to use MTD for the 2026 to 2027 tax year. Another 6,000 are both sole traders and landlords.
Most customers will receive a letter from HMRC confirming they need to join, which also explains what they need to do and includes a QR code linking to GOV.UK guidance.
Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said: “MTD for Income Tax is a generational change and support is there for everyone who needs it. The quarterly updates aren’t tax returns – they’re simple summaries your software auto-populates, spreading the admin throughout the year, rather than leaving it all towards the January Self Assessment deadline.”
About 100,000 sole traders and landlords have already signed up for MTD for Income Tax, with more than 15,000 quarterly updates successfully submitted through a voluntary testing programme.
For most, the first quarterly update under MTD for Income Tax will cover the period from April 6 to July 5 2026 and will need to be submitted by August 7 2026.
A new points-based system for late submissions applies, where a £200 fine is only triggered once four points are reached, meaning the occasional slip-up will not result in an immediate fine.
No penalty points will be issued for late quarterly updates for the 2026 to 2027 tax year – though points will still apply to late tax returns.
Free software options are available, with a range of paid packages also on offer to suit different needs. Once all your digital records of income and expenses have been created, the software will use them to generate your quarterly update.
Those joining MTD for Income Tax in April 2026 will still file their Self Assessment return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year in the usual way by 31 January 2027. The first tax return that most customers will submit using their MTD compatible software, covering 2026 to 2027, will be due by 31 January 2028.
People with a tax agent should speak to them about preparing. HMRC’s research shows awareness among the agent community is 99.6% and agents represent around two-thirds of the customers in scope for MTD for 2026 to 2027.
HMRC is urging anyone else in scope of MTD for Income Tax to act now: read the guidance, choose software and sign up on GOV.UK. Those who genuinely cannot use digital tools can apply for an exemption.
Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Googlemeans you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.Follow belfastlive:
You must be logged in to post a comment Login