Robert Harries

A pedestrian was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening, non-life-changing injuries after being struck by a lorry on High Street in central Tenby at around 12:20 p.m. on August 21. Police, fire crews and paramedics attended, and roads around the High Street were closed before reopening at approximately 2 p.m.

A fire on Fernhill Close in Merthyr Tydfil forced the temporary closure of Prince Charles Hospital’s helipad because of its proximity to the blaze. Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board diverted Wales Air Ambulance activity and warned of possible longer transfer times and delays in accessing care, while the hospital’s A&E department remained open. The incident was resolved on Wednesday evening.

Trisha Thomas, 36, has been charged with assisting an offender in connection with the death of 18-year-old Ceiran Evans in Gorseinon on July 9. Tyler Ford, Elliot Truelove and Liam Thomas have also been charged with murder and attempted murder following a fatal collision involving a car and an off-road bike on Pen Cae Crwn Road. South Wales Police continues to investigate, while Evans’s family described him as loving, kind-hearted and deeply missed.

Calum Edwards, 36, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to 11 theft offences and breaching a criminal behaviour order that banned him from Tesco and other stores in Newport. After being arrested during a police shoplifting crackdown, he was sentenced at Newport Magistrates’ Court to eight weeks in prison. Gwent Police said his repeat offending had harmed local retailers and highlighted cooperation with businesses through Operation Krypton and wider neighbourhood-policing efforts.

A driver died at the scene of a single-vehicle collision on the A40 near Robeston Wathen in Pembrokeshire on 19 August 2026. Police, ambulance crews and firefighters attended, and the road between St Clears and Haverfordwest was closed for about five hours before reopening at approximately 2:10pm. The driver’s next of kin were informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Ketan Swali, 59, and Sheetal Swali, 55, have been named as the two people who died when their light aircraft crashed near Trawsfynydd, close to Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd. The aircraft had departed from an airfield in England but failed to reach Caernarfon Airport, prompting a major air and ground search. An inquest will open in Caernarfon, while the Air Accidents Investigation Branch continues investigating the circumstances of the crash.

A piano was found partially submerged on Cefn Sidan Beach in Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, surprising walkers and attracting photographers. Carmarthenshire Council said the piano appeared to have been used for filming, although the council had not been notified in advance. After investigating, council staff advised those involved about the permissions required for organized activities and filming on council-managed land, and the piano was removed.

A person aboard a 40-foot motor vessel was rescued after it began rapidly taking on water near the South Hook LNG terminal off Milford Haven. Angle Lifeboat RNLI crews pumped out the water and identified a damaged shaft as the source of the leak, while the Harbour Patrol and a Port Authority pilot vessel assisted. The vessel was towed to Neyland Marina, where Dale Sailing Company lifted it clear of the water for emergency repairs.

The University of Wales Trinity St David plans to close its Carmarthen campus swimming pool at the start of September after more than 50 years of operation. The university cites declining usage, rising energy costs and maintenance expenses, saying the facility is no longer financially viable. Users, led by Cherie Thomas, argue that the pool supports rehabilitation, mental wellbeing, school swimming, clubs and community cohesion, and criticise the lack of consultation and promotion. Senedd member Gareth Beer has backed the campaign, while the university says users have been informed and directed to alternative facilities.

Natural Resources Wales has withdrawn a partial suspension notice against AMG Resources Limited's recycling centre in Llanelli after the operator made significant improvements to waste management and site conditions. The centre was identified as the source of a fly infestation that made local residents ill and disrupted daily life. An enforcement notice remains in place, requiring waste to stay within permitted boundaries, stronger pest-management measures and continued inspections.

John Forward and Julie Clare have applied to Pembrokeshire County Council to convert an attached garage and first-floor storeroom at Basford Park in Wooden, near Saundersfoot, into a self-contained two-bedroom holiday-let annex. The proposal would involve minimal external alterations, limit stays to a maximum of six consecutive weeks, and maintain booking records to ensure the property is not used as a permanent residence. Applicants say the scheme would support tourism while reusing an existing building without significant effects on privacy, overlooking or overshadowing. County planners will consider the application at a later date.

Newport City Council released CCTV footage seeking information about a man who allegedly abandoned a trolley full of waste on Chepstow Road before walking away along Harrow Road. The council is asking anyone who recognises him to contact its investigation team. The report also notes continuing fly-tipping problems in Cardiff, where Cardiff Council has warned that offenders may face fixed penalty notices or court action.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is beginning a nationwide listening tour focused on the cost of living and high-street revival, asking people what would improve their daily lives. The tour is expected to inform a 10-year national plan and precede further measures on household bills, building on energy-cost reductions and a £2 bus-fare cap. Rising prices remain a major public concern, but opposition politicians argue that the proposals are inadequate and accuse Labour of worsening pressure through tax increases and regulation. Reform UK calls for the removal of green levies and energy taxes, while the Liberal Democrats propose changes to business rates, VAT and other support for struggling high-street businesses.

Bristol Airport resumed normal operations after a runway defect forced the suspension of all flights for 14 hours on Friday. Flights were cancelled or diverted to airports including Cardiff, Birmingham, Southend and Newcastle, while the resulting backlog caused major delays, overcrowding and stranded passengers. The airport apologised and said flights were suspended as a safety precaution to allow runway repairs.

The Welsh Government plans to introduce regulations requiring new homes in Wales with associated parking spaces to include electric vehicle charge points. Similar requirements would apply to major residential renovations and new or substantially renovated non-residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces, including cabling for one in five spaces. The policy, first proposed by the previous Labour-led government and consulted on in 2024, received support from 56% of respondents and is now being advanced by the Plaid Cymru-led government. Installation is expected to add about £1,000 to the cost of a new home, compared with roughly £2,300 for retrofitting later, although builders warn that the expense could worsen affordability. Exemptions may apply where listed-building restrictions or limited grid capacity make installation impractical, while the government says it will continue addressing fire safety, affordability, charging integration and infrastructure concerns.

Alex Spooner, 44, from Swansea, was left paralysed from the chest down after a serious motorbike crash in August 2025 that put him in a coma and kept him in hospital for nearly a year. To mark the anniversary and celebrate his survival, around 30 friends will take turns carrying him in a specially adapted wheelchair to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. Their fundraising has raised almost £8,000 toward a possible stem cell treatment in Istanbul, while Alex says he is profoundly grateful for the support of his friends and family and for being alive.

A two-vehicle collision on the westbound M4 between junctions 32 and 33 near Cardiff caused the carriageway to close and led to significant traffic congestion. South Wales Police said no one was injured. Philip Johnsey, 63, of Magor, Newport, was arrested and charged with driving with alcohol above the prescribed limit, released on bail, and scheduled to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on September 22.

A fish-and-chip café at 2 Marine Road in Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire, has received conditional retrospective planning permission for an ice cream sales area, waste area and external pergola built without prior consent. The application, submitted by Bryan Batstone through Kinver Kreations Ltd, was supported by The Havens community council and received no public objections. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority officers concluded that the structures were appropriately designed, proportionate, visually compatible with the site and supportive of the local visitor economy.

David Allen Murphy of Carmarthen was sentenced after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his dog, Cora, by failing to address her severe, long-standing skin disease. Cora was found tied to a tree and required veterinary treatment for hair loss, dermatitis, irritation and other health problems. Murphy received an 18-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months, 120 hours of unpaid work, a rehabilitation order, £600 in costs and a £150 surcharge, and was banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

An inquest heard that 30-year-old Rhys Eurydd Williams was found dead by his father, Keith Williams, in his Swansea flat on October 11, 2022, after previous suicide attempts and a history of paranoia and psychosis. His family said he had been inadequately supported by mental health services, citing his brief hospital discharges after attempts in January and July 2022. A post-mortem found cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine in his system, while the cause of death was consistent with hanging and the death was not treated as suspicious. The inquest in Swansea is continuing.

Christopher Ponting, 37, was sentenced to eight months in prison after filming inside Swansea Crown Court during a friend's murder trial, including the jury and judge. His actions breached the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and caused the trial to collapse and require a restart. The judge described the conduct as a gross contempt of court, while Ponting's barrister said he was genuinely remorseful.

John Brennan, a 56-year-old former sales manager from Ammanford, was convicted of three sexual assaults against a woman in her 20s at a party. Swansea Crown Court heard that he touched her breast and vagina over clothing and sucked her nipple. The victim described lasting effects on her relationships and trust, while Judge Paul Thomas KC criticized Brennan's conduct and lack of genuine remorse. Brennan received an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years, 200 hours of unpaid work, rehabilitation requirements, a 10-year sex-offender registration period and a five-year restraining order.

Pembrokeshire County Council is continuing its seasonal restrictions on dogs at several beaches, including complete bans at Tenby North Beach and Whitesands, while maintaining a “warn and inform” enforcement approach. Councillor Rhys Jordan questioned whether the bylaws, maps, approval records and enforcement arrangements were properly published and called for enforcement to be suspended until they were verified. Cabinet member Rhys Sinnett said the restrictions remain lawful, but confirmed that no fixed penalty notices will be issued this season; officers will issue advice and warnings, with stronger statutory measures reserved for persistent or known offenders.

A six‑week closure of the B4317 in Pontyberem will begin on July 20 to allow permanent traffic signals to be installed. Carmarthenshire Council has set diversion routes and arranged a temporary First Cymru 195A shuttle service, while the direct bus link between Pontyberem and Ponthenri will be suspended until the work is completed.

Dashcam footage captured Stephen Price fleeing Dyfed-Powys Police near Welshpool, reaching over 100mph and hitting 94mph in a 30mph zone before abandoning his car and running through a field. He was sentenced to a suspended 36‑week prison term, given 250 hours of unpaid work, and disqualified from driving for 12 months. Police described the chase as highly dangerous and urged drivers to stop when instructed.

Police launched a murder investigation in Gorseinon after an incident involving a car and an off‑road bike left an 18‑year‑old dead and a 19‑year‑old injured. Five people have been arrested on charges including murder, grievous bodily harm, and assisting an offender. Witnesses reported one victim becoming trapped under a car, with fears another was dragged along the road. Multiple streets were closed as forensic teams worked, and tributes were left at the scene. South Wales Police appealed for witnesses and confirmed specialist support for those affected while the community expressed shock.

Fresh DNA testing has been taken from Michael Stone, who is serving life sentences for the 1996 murders of Lin Russell and her daughter Megan, as part of a renewed effort to assess whether he may have been wrongly convicted. The case has long been clouded by the absence of forensic evidence, reliance on disputed prison confessions, and questions raised during appeals. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is examining whether there is a real possibility the conviction could be overturned as doubts persist three decades after the attack.

Pontypridd and Port Talbot have been shortlisted among 15 finalists for the UK’s first Town of Culture 2028, selected from nearly 400 applicants. Each shortlisted town receives £60,000 to prepare full bids, with winners announced next year. UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy and Wales secretary Jo Stevens praised the towns’ cultural heritage, while local MPs highlighted community pride and the potential benefits of securing future investment. The competition aims to encourage cultural engagement and boost local development across UK towns.

Dyfed-Powys Police are appealing for information after two teenagers, Daisy and Gabriel, went missing in the Burry Port area. Both have connections to Llanelli and were last seen together late on July 8. The force released descriptions of the pair and urged anyone with relevant information to contact them by email or phone.

Family of 14‑year‑old Lilly Jones paid tribute to her as kind, confident and deeply loved following her death in Blaina, where she was found after being reported missing. A 14‑year‑old boy has been charged with her murder ahead of a provisional November trial. Police formally identified her body on June 30, and an inquest heard she died from multiple stab wounds. The family thanked the community for its support as investigations continue.

A section of Bute Street in Cardiff will close to all traffic from the evening of July 24 until September 1 for utility diversion works linked to the Crossrail project. Cardiff Council says pedestrian access will remain but several nearby roads, including North Church Street and Maria Street, will be restricted. Additional overnight closures are planned, and lane reductions at Callaghan Square will continue as the council aims to minimise disruption.

Welsh Labour’s Welsh Executive Committee has set a timetable for selecting a new party leader, with nominations from Senedd Members opening on July 9 and closing on July 16. The process follows Eluned Morgan’s resignation after losing her seat in the 2026 Senedd election, which saw the party reduced to nine seats. Interim leader Ken Skates, elected to the Senedd in 2011 and a former government minister, indicated he does not anticipate a leadership contest but remains open to challengers. He praised Morgan’s long service and historic role as the first woman to lead Wales and the party.

An e-bike rider suffered serious injuries after a collision with a car at the junction of Chepstow Road and Victoria Avenue in Newport. Gwent Police responded to the incident on Sunday evening, reporting that the crash involved a Sur-Ron electric bike. The injured rider was taken to hospital following the impact.

Tributes honour Bob Penberthy, the long-serving Pontypridd RFC second row who made a record 877 appearances for the club between 1961 and 1985 and has died aged 82. The club describes him as a true icon whose legacy includes unmatched service, continued support after retirement, and commemorations such as a tribute dinner and dedications at the clubhouse. Condolences have been extended to his family and friends.

Two men were taken to hospital with non-life‑threatening injuries after an assault under the North Road flyover in Cardiff, prompting an investigation by South Wales Police. A large police presence was reported in the Gabalfa area, and officers confirmed the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on July 5, with inquiries ongoing.