The Welsh government has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to renewable energy by investing £2 million in Inyanga Marine Energy Group, a key player in the development of tidal energy at the Morlais site off Ynys Mon (Anglesey). This investment, announced by First Minister Eluned Morgan at the Marine Energy Wales Conference, aims to enhance tidal turbine technology, potentially increasing energy output by up to 60%. The Morlais site, one of Europe's largest consented tidal energy projects, could power over 180,000 homes, marking a pivotal moment in Wales' clean energy future.

At the same conference, the Cydnerth project, part of the North Wales Growth Deal, was highlighted for its role in expanding the Morlais tidal energy scheme. With an £8.9 million investment from the Welsh and UK Governments, the project is set to increase the scheme's grid capacity from 18 megawatts to 240 megawatts over time. This expansion is expected to drive economic growth and create high-quality jobs in coastal communities, further establishing North Wales as a leader in tidal energy.

The collaboration between the Welsh government, Inyanga Marine Energy Group, and other stakeholders underscores the potential of tidal energy as a reliable and clean power source. The investment in Inyanga's HydroWing technology, which has secured contracts for difference in the UK government's allocation rounds, exemplifies the innovative approaches being explored to harness the full potential of ocean tides. These efforts are not only advancing marine energy technology but also contributing to the global transition away from fossil fuels.

The Morlais tidal energy project, with its 'plug and play' model, is pioneering a new approach to tidal energy generation. By providing the necessary infrastructure and renting berths to turbine development companies, Morlais is facilitating the testing and deployment of various electricity generation technologies. This model, combined with the Welsh government's investment in Inyanga and the broader support for the Cydnerth project, positions Wales at the forefront of the tidal energy sector, showcasing the region's commitment to sustainable development and innovation in renewable energy.

A former Northumbria Police detective, Sue Thorpe, has been given a suspended prison sentence after a court found her guilty of stalking her ex-boyfriend and misusing police computer data to harass him. The 44-year-old bombarded surfing instructor Barry Henderson with abusive messages and falsely accused him of serious crimes, including being a paedophile, in a year-long campaign following their breakup.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Thorpe's actions were part of a deliberate attempt to damage Mr. Henderson's reputation and his surfing business. She not only sent abusive voicemails, texts, and emails but also used the Police National Computer to illegally access information about him. Thorpe's false allegations were spread to his friends, family, and new partner, and she even set up fake social media accounts and email addresses to further her campaign.

The court sentenced Thorpe to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered her to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days. A 10-year restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting any contact with Mr. Henderson. The judge highlighted the seriousness of Thorpe's misuse of police resources, noting the potential to erode public trust in law enforcement.

In a victim impact statement, Mr. Henderson described how Thorpe's actions had left him feeling 'physically sick' and as though she was 'on a mission to destroy' him. The case sheds light on the severe consequences of stalking and the abuse of power by those in positions of authority, underscoring the importance of accountability and the protection of individuals from such malicious campaigns.