Respected journalist and former court reporter Norman Fowler has died aged 71.

Originally from Griffithstown near Pontypool, Norman began his career on local newspapers, completing his training before joining the Royal Air Force for two years' National Service.

He then resumed his journalism career, working as a district reporter in Newport and Cardiff before moving to Yorkshire to join the Wakefield Express.

As well as village news, he regularly covered the local magistrates courts, sparking what was to become a life-long interest in the law courts.

This led to him heading up a team of reporters as manager of a Kent agency, providing court copy for local and national newspapers, radio and television.

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