FATHER GUILTY OF MURDERING BABY
A Caldicot man was found guilty at Cardiff crown court of murdering his six-month old son and attempting to murder his second child. He murdered the first child at his home in October 1998 by smothering him with a pillow. In November 1999 he attempted to smother his other child while in a cubicle at the Royal Gwent Hospital. The murdered child was found to have suffered repeated physical abuse including a number of fractured ribs.
The man, who was placed in care when he was 15, has a string of previous convictions, including affray, burglary, theft, false accounting and drink driving. Mr Justice Pitchford described him as "a very dangerous man".
Monmouthshire Social Services have launched an internal inquiry into the death to determine whether more could have been done to protect the children.

YOUTHS FRIGHTEN PENSIONERS
Pensioners living at Cwrt Severn sheltered housing complex in Caldicot have complained that they are being "terrorised" by local youths. The youths have allegedly smashed windows, sworn at residents, broken gates and damaged cars. Residents have formed a committee to liaise with police and the council on ways of dealing with the situation.

TOWN TOPS LEAGUE
Caldicot Town Football Club finished 2002 at the top of Welsh League Division Three, following a series of six wins in seven games, including a 2-0 victory over Chepstow.

HOUSE PRICE WATCH
In this new feature we look out for the cheapest house advertised for sale in Caldicot. This month: £74,950 would have bought you a two-bedroom "starter home" in Railway View.

<<November 2002
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