20/04/2012 BBC Wales Today

The welcome to Wales Today. Tonight's top story: Jailed for

five years, what -- Wales footballer Ched Evans guilty of

rape. A career in tatters, will he Also tonight, Wales will get more

money for Europe from it -- for its poorest areas despite criticism of

how has been spent the 4th. Labour leader Ed Miliband on the local

election campaign. He says they won't make the same mistakes as

before. And half the railway stations here are failing to meet

government standards for disabled access. Calls from people like

Simon Green for change. In tonight's sport, it is Shane

Williams's official farewell tonight but the Ospreys are out to

make sure he is back in three weeks' time from home play-off.

And more of this would do the trick. Cardiff City aim to seal their

I good evening. The Wales and Sheffield United footballer Ched

Evans has been jailed for five years after being found guilty of

rape. In a highly dramatic end to war week-long trial, his co-

defendant, Port Vale player Clayton Macdonald, was cleared of the same

charge after an incident at a hotel in Denbighshire last May. Aled

Hughes is at Caernarfon Crown Court tonight. Allott.

Well, Lucy, highly charged emotional scenes in the caught

behind me here this afternoon and the story is the tragic mix-up the

young woman, too much alcohol, a successful footballer, and a case

with no winners. Ched Evans has had his best

professional career to date this season, scoring 35 goals for

Sheffield United. It all came crashing down shortly after 3pm

this afternoon. Evans's family left court knowing he has a cupboard --

convicted rapist, a decision the jury made in just under five hours,

which left Evans sobbing uncontrollably in the dock, and

that his family beyond themselves. His co-defendant, Port Vale

defender Clayton Macdonald, left the court of three -- a free man 11

months after night out in Rhyl that changed lives forever. There were

dramatic scenes when the jury returned with the verdict. Ched

Evans's family had to learn to walk -- wait to learn his fate while

Clayton Macdonald's family's elations build over when they heard

the verdict. The jury heard how the woman and defendants had been

drinking at this club until her leap on the morning of May 30th

last year, but it is what happened afterwards is central to the

decision of the jury. Clayton Macdonald took a taxi with the

woman to win 14 of this hotel near by. Firstly he saw associates of

Ched Evans trying to film him through the window before realising

Evans had come into the room. The prosecution said Ched Evans used

the woman for his own gratification, that she was so intoxicated she

couldn't have possibly consented. Ched Evans claimed he wouldn't have

put himself in that situation, but his looks and the fact he was a

footballer meant he had a peak of women, but the jury didn't believe

him. -- the pick of women. The police say they hope the guilty

verdict will provide closure on this horrendous ordeal and she will

be able to rebuild her life, adding that no one is above the law. The

Crown Prosecution Service also said it is a myth that being vulnerable

to alcohol consumption means a victim is somehow responsible for

being raped. The law is clear, being vulnerable through drink or

drugs does not imply consent, they said. The judge told 23-year-old

Evans he had thrown away a successful and promising career.

Tonight he is beginning a five-year sentence.

Well, Lucy, we have received a statement from Ched Evans's Blair

this evening would says his client is in shock and still protesting

his innocence -- Ched Evans's lawyer. It is confirmed they are

considering an appeal. But his latest we have this evening on this

extraordinary court case. Aled Hughes, thank you.

A top European official has told BBC Wales he is sure some of our

poorest areas will qualify for another round of European funding.

But Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Regional Policy,

says in future there should be fewer projects receiving aid money,

and they will have to be quantifiable results. And Wyn Jones

has more. Over the last decade, the poorest

parts of Wales have received billions of pounds of European aid

money designed to pull them out of poverty. These pupils are seeing

the benefits of that money. In this case, paying for their computers.

And this is the man who in effect decides how much money is spent and

what should be done with it. We have already had two rounds of

funding, and today we have been told that Wales will qualify for a

third round. If all this investment, which has been launched, which is

not yet finished, is finished, I think the impact, the positive

impact will be felt. But after 10 years of European aid money, many

are asking why Wales hasn't seen the improvements which were

originally promised. We have seen investments up and round -- up and

down Wales which I hope we will qualify for this time as a final

qualification for European funding of this sort. And this is the kind

of company he is talking about. Tidal energy have been working on

it to her account -- turbine which sits on the ocean for using tidal

energy to create electricity. have been supported with �6.4

million and the total cost of the project is �12 million. It is

research and development and a high risk investment with massive

opportunity for great potential. is those jobs which were meant to

propel Wales's economy, but that hasn't really happened. Wales

receiving this third round at European aid money is a double-

edged sword. It does mean that companies like this will continue

to receive European aid money but it also means that parts of Wales

are among the poorest regions not only in the UK but also in the

whole of the year. And according to recent figures, we

could be getting relatively poorer. Back in 1999, when Wales started

receiving European money, Wales's wealth was just over three-quarters

of the EU average. That has improved slightly to begin with,

but then steadily declined, and the latest figures for 2009 show only a

10 per cent fall -- Medea 10 per cent fall over 10 years. The Labour

government themselves has had in the past we shouldn't be receiving

money in the future at this present. Because it should have been spent

on creating business and enterprise in the way that we wouldn't need

these handouts. There have clearly been benefits from the European

money, but qualifying for another round debate does mean it hasn't

had the desired effect, to try to pull Wales out of its relative

poverty. The Labour party has learnt from

mistakes at the local elections four years ago according to the

party leader Ed Miliband. He is the latest leader to hit the campaign

ahead of next month's council elections. He was in Merthyr Tydfil

promising to win back some of Labour's lost support. Tomos

Livingstone spoke to him and began by asking whether this was an

election about what was going on in Westminster or more about local

issues around Wales. I think this is a chance for people

to elect could Labour councils and Labour councillors here in Wales,

and that is very important, but it is also in the context of a

government at Westminster that is cutting taxes for millionaires and

raising taxes for millions of people, and what you have got his

Labour councils, Labour councillors, seeking to fight against that,

making a difference to people's living standards, helping people

with local services, so what is Labour on people's side into of

sight -- at times when you have George Osborne, David Cameron, Nick

Clegg, who are way out of touch with the British people and

bringing about an unfair budget making life harder for people here

in Wales, so obviously, what is happening nationally is part of the

context of these elections but we also proud of our labour

councillors and councils and proud to be fighting on their record and

what they want to do for people in Wales. Unemployment figures this

week show another rise in Welsh unemployment. What can you offer

people in an area like Merthyr Tydfil to try and find work?

Catherine Jones as Welsh First Minister is obviously making a

difference -- Carwyn Jones. 4000 opportunities for people on a new

scheme, but we need a government in Westminster also fighting for jobs,

not losing them, and the problem is, for young people here, if I was

Prime Minister, I would be taxing bank as bonuses and using that

money to guarantee jobs far I young person, for every young person

unemployed for more than a year. That is the difference with Labour,

we're with the plight of times and what we have in Westminster is an

out-of-touch government which doesn't understand the needs of the

people of Wales. Four years ago Labour performed badly on the back

of the 10 per week -- 10 p tax row and lost councils in Wales. What

has changed this time, why should people support Labour? The Labour

Party is on people's side in these tough times. No one is denying

times are tough and the rot of decisions to be made, but the

question is, -- the tough decisions to be made, do you have a

government that understands the needs of people all wants to cut

taxes for the richest people in society? Lots had been revealed

about where this Westminster government stance in the last few

weeks. The idea that in a time when young people are struggling, when

middle-class families are struggling and low-income families

are struggling, people right across Wales are struggling, the idea is

that the priority to give a �40,000 tax cut to millionaires tells you

all you need to know about this government and the difference

between them and Labour, which is on people's side in tough times.

You are campaigning here with a slogan to get the vote out. Is that

a tacit admission perhaps that you haven't done enough to enthuse --

enthuse National supporters to the ballot box? The we want as many

people to turn out as possible in his local election because he

wanted that could Labour councils and councillors and send a message

to Westminster -- one to elect Labour councils. About where

they're out of touch with people in Wales. I know what a good reaction

we have had on the doorsteps in Wales and I am looking forward to

meeting lots of people in Wales and taking Labour's message to them

about how Labour can be on their side and make their lives better in

tough times. South Wales Police are

investigating a complaint that a Labour candidate standing for the

Splott ward in Cardiff Council elections give a false address on

his registration form. Luke Holland, who heads the Labour's media team

in Wales lives in a neighbouring ward, but says he is in the process

of buying a house in Splott, and accuses Liberal Democrat opponents

of smear tactics. The funeral has been held of a

mother and son found killed at their home in Gwynedd earlier this

month. 34-year-old Suzanne Jones and two-year-old William it hit a

Madoc. Suzanne Jones's husband has been charged with their murders. --

lived in trim a book. There are concerns that the new 5

and 10 pence coins made at the Royal Mint and Llantrisant could

cause skin problems for some people including those with Exmoor. The

coins are made from steel plate in nickel and dermatologists be it

could cause problems for those with Nicola Aled Hughes. The Royal Mint

denies the change would have adverse impacts. -- those with

nickel allergies. Still to come: How a West Wales village is

celebrating 100 years since Dennis Corbett Wilson made the first

flight across the I receive. -- I receive.

Half the railway stations in Wales and many bus services are still

failing to meet government standards on accessibility for

disabled people, so today, a conference gave them the chance to

voice their frustrations to the bosses of the Trans but companies.

Matt Murray reports. -- transport companies.

For Andrew Jones, getting from A to B takes planning. He has cerebral

palsy and is reliant on specially adapted vehicles like this one. His

wheelchair is too large and heavy for Ms public transport, so he

needs taxis to get around. It is not just costly but also unreliable.

Recently his grandmother was ill in hospital and when he tried ringing

for a suitable cab, none was available. I wanted to visit my nan,

and I couldn't, because there wasn't a suitable taxi for me. And

I had to give 24 hours' notice. how much of an inconvenience was

that for you and your nan? It was a lot, because of the time, she was

in hospital. Andrew arrived at this conference looking to address the

practical problems that he and other artists -- disabled people

face regularly. Representatives from local bus, train and taxi

companies were there to see how things could be made better.

Today's event was organised by Simon Green, who has seen vast

improvements access in public transport, but still feels much

more needs to be done. You know, it is 2012, every disabled person like

every non-disabled person should be able to catch a bus, train or taxi

wherever they like. Things have got better and a much better than when

I first started using a wheelchair, but they can certainly improve.

nearly 250 railway stations in Wales -- of nearly 250, only half

meet the standards required by the Disability discrimination Act.

are working very hard to make them as accessible as possible. We are

investing money of Our Rome, the Welsh Government, we are working

with them and network Rail, to make sure we secured funding needed to

make a stations accessible. And it is not just the trains but also the

buses. 50 per cent of first Cymru's vehicles fail to meet government

standards on accessibility. They have a timetable of two years to

make all their fleets suitable, but for Andrew and others, the changes

Football - Cardiff City are hoping to guarantee their place in the

Championship play-offs tomorrow. They need a win against Leeds to be

sure of extending their season. They'd like to join Swansea City in

the Premier League. The Swans will mathematically ensure their top

flight status if they beat strugglers, Bolton.

They are virtually their, relegation is just a mathematical

possibility for Swansea. If they beat Bolton for the second time

this season and preserve their Premier League status, Brendan

Rodgers's side were not be taking it easy. With �800,000 prize money

for every place they can climb, they will fight every point.

finances involved is incredible. Every place counts for Ilott. That

extra place could go for an extra player. Cardiff have agreed new

contracts with Joe Mason. They hope to be moving to the Premier League

next season. The Bluebirds are in great form. They need one more win

to reach the play-offs for the third successive year. They are

four point clear of Middlesbrough be two games to play. They want to

keep their momentum going. I don't think anybody wants to lead over

the line. We want to get over the line first. Let's concentrate on

winning against Leeds. Wrexham and savour the Conference play-offs and

Arab later Mansfield tonight. Newport County who have done enough

to stay up and away tomorrow. The world's premier race will be

decided on Saturday. The New Saints host Bangor City who trailed them

by just two points. The winner would guarantee themselves Champion

League football next season. It is the most important thing. It pushes

the club on. To win it back to backward be a great achievement. We

are not full-time, we are not big players, his tears the amount of

heart in our team. -- it is. This year, it will go right to the wire

again. Rugby - Wales and Blues wing, Alex

Cuthbert, could be on his way to France. There are reports today

that the 21-year-old has been lured away from the Blues to join big

spenders Toulon. The Welsh region are in talks with former Scarlets

head coach, Phil Davies, to become their next director of rugby. He's

currently working at Worcester. The Blues play Edinburgh on Sunday. The

Scarlets play Munster tomorrow, still in the hunt for a play-off

place while the Ospreys are bidding to hang on to a home play-off place

as they host the Dragons tonight in the penultimate round of the PRO12.

It is also a chance for fans to bid farewell to Shane Williams on their

home patch although the former Wales star could feature again in

those play-offs. The game is live a Scrum V live tonight and a little

earlier were caught up with presenter, Ross Harries.

It is going to be a big occasion, an emotional occasion at the

Liberty Stadium. They are expecting the biggest crowd of the season.

They're giving Shane Williams a winning send-off. Joining me his

Kingsley Jones. They are expecting a season's best crowd. It would be

fitting. I can see it being a great occasion tonight. It will be great

to see sailors on the scoreboard. The Ospreys are in pole position to

get his home semi-final with two games left. They could be

guaranteed a home semi-final here. The Dragons have been tough

opponents. They have. They have had a poor couple of weeks, the Dragons,

but the last three occasions they had beaten the Ospreys. You would

have to say with the Ospreys form of late, Dan Biggar particularly,

they are playing well. There is a buzz about the Ospreys. Also a bit

of an intriguing roll-call, it could be a humdinger. I am looking

forward to that. They are looking to putting their hand up for their

country and in terms of their own clubs, the need to push on and play

well. He know that big story, the Blues are seeking to appoint a

director of rugby next season. A number of names have been linked,

yours among them. To be honest you would have to say that it would

appeal to any coach, particularly a Welshman. There are Rolly four

regions and just like that are few and far between. -- that there are

only four regions. It is a stepping stone to the national team. I am

negotiating a new contract with Russia. I am very happy with them.

That is where I am at at the moment. It is such a great region. It will

be interesting for any coach. Many thanks. We will be watching the

game later on. We are on air at 7 o'clock on BBC Two Wales just after

Wales Today. Switch-over to see Shane Williams's last game for the

Ospreys. Cricket - It has been a day of

showers and wickets on day two of Glamorgan's County Championship at

home to Hampshire. The visitors passed Glamorgan's declared total

of 103 before lunch but instead of pulling away the wickets tumbled.

Huw Waters taking a career best of 7 for 53. Hampshire were eventually

all out for 156. On the eve of the World Snooker

Championship in Sheffield, two-time winner Mark Williams has today

caused a bit of a stir. The 37- year-old has criticised the

Crucible venue on Twitter stating he hopes the tournament would move

to China. He has since apologised for his bad language but added the

Grade II listed building is still his least favourite place to play.

He faces Liu Chuang in the opening round of this year's championship.

This weekend marks a hundred years since the first successful flight

across the Irish Sea. The pilot that day was Denys Corbett Wilson

who eventually took off from the town of Goodwick near Fishguard. He

landed in Enniscorthy in the south- east of Ireland. To mark the

special anniversary a new exhibition and a play have been put

Born in Surrey in 1882 and educated in Eton, Denys Corbett Wilson is

not your typical Pembrokeshire hero. But as this new exhibition shows

that is what he his since writing the name of Goodwick in the

aviation history books. Much of the research was carried out by Ken

Williams who began looking into Wilson's journey after coming

across this picture of his Bleriot X1 arriving in Pembrokeshire on its

way to Ireland. It is a large event. There is no

question about that. It is history and it is local history. Yes, I

think it is a good thing. I hope that children will know the gist of

the story soon. It was from this field at a quarter to six on the

morning of 22nd April 1912 that Denys Corbett Wilson set off on his

historic flight across the Irish Sea. He landed on the south-east

coast of Ireland an hour and 40 minutes later. Wilson had intended

to set off from Holyhead alongside another pilot, Damer Leslie Allen,

but he go lost on his way to Anglesey and ended up in

Pembrokeshire. These people meander across the countryside. In those

days there was no TPS all maps are such that brought them into

particular places. They were governed by the weather. We are

Corbett Wilson's story has inspired a play which will be performed in

Fishguard tomorrow and in Wexford next week. It is extort it is

extraordinary how they through in these aircraft. His feet was

overshadowed by the sinking of the Titanic a week earlier. The Pope --

people Pembrokeshire are determined to give him the attention he

deserves. I am not sure that Derek would have been wanting to take to

the skies tonight. Not with the Haler showers. I hope

it will be better for the weekend I am RHS Show in Cardiff. It is the

place to come if you want to pick up a few tips for your garden or

allotment. There is a lot to see and do here including these

wheelbarrows. They have been put together by a local school --

school children. This one is based on the Olympics. Take a look on

that one. It is about to Wales winning the Grand Slam. They are

taking on the French. Look at who is pushing a wheelbarrow, Sam

Warburton. It is all quiet at the moment but if they are gearing up

for a very busy weekend. It you remember last April which was

gorgeous, it was the warmest April for a century in Wales. On this day

last year, the temperatures soared to 23 degrees Celsius. We could

only manage a 12 degree Celsius today. There is no sign of things

warming up over the weekend. Some sunshine here this evening but

there has been a few downpours. Even a bit of snow on the mountains.

For the weekend it is a case of sunny intervals and April showers.

For this evening, some sunshine around but a few showers around

tonight. Most places drive with a few clear spells and it will turn

chilly with lowest temperatures to degrees Celsius. Colder in rural

spot with a touch of ground frost. Low-pressure sitting on Britain

again tomorrow. That means more unstable air, towering clouds and

showers. Tomorrow may start of dry with some sunshine but showers will

breakout, spreading across the country and some of them heavy.

Later in the afternoon, the showers should ease with some sunshine and

the West. Top temperatures 10-12 degree Celsius with a westerly

breeze. In Powys tomorrow, a dry start with some sunshine, showers

by the afternoon. Temperatures in Knighton rising to in 10 or 11

degrees Celsius. Tomorrow evening will be tried. Overnight, the

country dry but Chile. Some ground frost especially in the countryside.

Sunday will bring some sunshine but there will be some showers around.

They could be heavy with hail and thunder. Temperatures similar to

recent days. Next week, it is looking unsettled, more rain

followed by a showers and blustery winds. The rest of April does look

unsettled. Ellen settled start to may probably. The weather very hit-

and-miss this evening -- this weekend. Bring a coat and an

umbrella with you if you are coming to the RHS Show. I have got a

present for you. I don't think you need one of these!

I hope it was not from one of the The main news again from the BBC.

The Wales and Sheffield United footballer Ched Evans has been

jailed for five years after being found guilty of rape. His co-

defendant, the Port Vale player Clayton Macdonald, was cleared of

the same charge after an incident at a hotel in Denbighshire last May.

The Bahraini government and Formula One bosses have insisted this

weekend's Grand Prix will go ahead despite renewed clashes between

security forces and anti-government protestors and political pressure

to call the race off. The Crown Prince of Bahrain said that

cancelling the race would play into the hands of extremists.