Tom Moody

Heavy congestion affected both directions of the M4 between Newport and Cardiff, with delays extending to the Brynglas Tunnels, junction 29 at Castleton, the A48 Southern Distributor Road and Tredegar Park. An eastbound crash near Tredegar Park briefly blocked one lane, while a separate single-vehicle crash occurred westbound near Margam. Both incidents were cleared by the afternoon, though significant disruption remained.

A fire at the Five Lanes Quarry Waste Disposal Site in Caerwent was extinguished on August 17 after South Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews and equipment from several stations, along with neighboring services, attended. Firefighters were called at about 5:37 a.m. and left the scene shortly after 1 p.m., with the stop message issued at 1:06 p.m.

Police stopped a suspiciously driven BMW in Bargoed on July 26, 2024, leading to the seizure of cocaine worth an estimated £720, cash and a phone containing messages linked to drug supply. Joshua Organ fled but was arrested after discarding cocaine and attempting to hide his phone, while driver Aiden Jones failed a roadside drug test and was later confirmed to be over the legal limit. Both men pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply; Organ also admitted offering to supply and received a 40-month sentence, while Jones was jailed for 15 months. Gwent Police said the case demonstrated its efforts to disrupt drug dealing and reduce associated community harm.

Gareth Green, 42, of Newport, pleaded guilty at Newport Magistrates’ Court to stealing £165 worth of meat from Aldi and £50 worth of sunglasses from TK Maxx on the same day. He was ordered to pay compensation to both retailers, while no costs order was made because of his limited means.

Lee Williams, 45, of Newport, pleaded guilty at Newport Magistrates’ Court to carrying ammonia without good reason or lawful authority on Tandem Mill Road on April 15 of the previous year. The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report and mental health treatment assessment, and Williams was granted bail pending sentencing on August 27.

A round-up of six recent magistrates’ court cases involving people from Newport, Cwmbran and Ebbw Vale. Penalties included fines, penalty points and costs for driving without insurance, speeding and keeping untaxed vehicles. Bristol Lease Bikes Ltd was fined in two separate cases for untaxed vehicles, with additional costs and back-duty payments ordered.

Five recent magistrates' court cases involving defendants from Cross Keys, Newport, Brynmawr, and Caerphilly are reported. The offences included speeding, keeping an uninsured or untaxed vehicle, failing to identify a driver, and failing to pay vehicle or trade licence arrears. Penalties included fines, court costs, surcharges, back duty, penalty points, and a 12-month driving disqualification.

Temperatures are forecast to exceed 30°C across Gwent, reaching about 33°C in Newport, Chepstow and Caerphilly on Wednesday, with similarly hot conditions on Thursday before a modest decline on Friday. The continued dry spell has led Natural Resources Wales to declare all of Wales to be in drought, while the Met Office has issued an amber extreme-heat warning for parts of England. The British Red Cross advises people to stay hydrated, seek shade, use sunscreen, take breaks from the sun and watch for heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among vulnerable people.

Connor Sims, 19, was stopped in Newport after riding a Sur-Ron electric bike dangerously during a police operation targeting illegal off-road bikes. He attempted to evade officers on roads and pavements before being tackled and arrested. Police found cash, phones and drug-related materials, and later seized about £8,000 in cash, cannabis, digital scales and burner phones from his home. Sims pleaded guilty to supplying crack cocaine, dangerous driving and possessing cannabis. He was sentenced to three years in prison suspended for three years, 200 hours of unpaid work and rehabilitation sessions, and an 18-month driving disqualification requiring an extended test to regain his licence.

A roundup of recent magistrates’ court cases involving defendants from Rhymney, New Tredegar, Cefn Fforest, Newport and Ebbw Vale. The cases resulted in fines, costs, surcharges, penalty points, driving bans and back-duty payments for offences including keeping untaxed vehicles, failing to identify drivers, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and driving without reasonable consideration.

A roundup of six recent magistrates’ court cases involving people from Newport, Pontypool, Blaenavon, Usk and nearby areas. The offences included speeding, driving or keeping vehicles without insurance, and keeping an untaxed vehicle. The defendants received fines ranging from £60 to £3,675, along with penalty points, costs, surcharges or back duty where applicable.

A roundup of recent magistrates’ court cases involving residents of Newport, Cwmbran, Ebbw Vale, Pontypool and surrounding areas. Several defendants were fined for keeping uninsured or untaxed vehicles, while Michael Tiley received fines, costs and surcharges totaling more than £2,600 for failing twice to identify a vehicle driver; he also received penalty points and a six-month driving disqualification.

Martyn Grant, 37, of Caerphilly, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm after punching his partner and grabbing her by the neck outside a music festival. The victim suffered concussion and several facial injuries and said she feared Grant's release. Grant had previously been convicted of assaulting the same woman, leading the court to describe him as a persistent domestic abuser. He was sentenced to 32 months in prison, including activation of eight months from a suspended sentence, and received a five-year restraining order.

Paul Williams, 41, of Rhymney, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates' Court to stealing a child's quad bike from Gateway Holiday Park in Bynea, Llanelli, on April 11. The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report, and Williams was granted bail pending sentencing on August 26.

Nicola West, a serial shoplifter from Newport, pleaded guilty to three shoplifting offences and seven breaches of a criminal behaviour order that barred her from Newport Tesco stores and from begging or sitting outside certain shops. She stole beef steaks from Aldi and Tesco and four bottles of rosé from Tesco. Her lawyer attributed the offending to financial hardship and heroin and crack cocaine addiction, while noting progress with the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service. Having already spent the equivalent of six months on remand, West received an 18-month community order, including a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement and 15 rehabilitation activity sessions.

Michael Perry, 31, pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court to harassment causing fear of violence after making more than 1,400 calls and messages to his former partner over two and a half months, visiting her home and workplace, and following her by car. The victim changed her routine and became afraid to go out. Perry received an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years, mandatory rehabilitation and behaviour programmes, six months of GPS monitoring, and a 10-year restraining order protecting the victim.

Firefighters responded to a fire on Lighthouse Road in Newport, prompting a road closure, diversions and advice from Gwent Police for local residents to keep doors and windows closed. The incident was the third fire reported in the region within 24 hours, following fires at the former Nancy’s Café in Ystrad Mynach and the Star Trading Estate in Caerleon.

Cwmbran Celtic AFC has announced a 2026/27 shirt sponsorship partnership with four independent bands. Super Furry Animals will feature on the men's home kit, Mogwai on the men's away shirt, Panic Shack on the women's home shirt and Loose Articles on the women's away shirt. Most proceeds will support the club's senior, veterans, walking football and junior programmes, while 10% of profits from each shirt sale will go to the Music Venue Trust. The partnership is intended to strengthen links between grassroots football and music venues.

Ryan Watkins, a convicted sex offender from Blaina, pleaded guilty to five breaches of his sexual harm prevention order after police found he was using unregistered Samsung Galaxy phones and Snapchat accounts. Officers discovered deleted WhatsApp, a hidden phone behind a wardrobe, and a Snapchat story posted shortly before a search. There was no evidence that he used the devices to contact children or vulnerable people, and no illegal material was found. Watkins was sentenced to 27 months in prison, including activation of six months from a suspended sentence.

Ashley Eadie pleaded guilty to robbing Rhymney Service Station with scissors and possessing a bladed article after taking £115 from the till. He surrendered to Gwent Police the following day and said he had been driven by homelessness, substance misuse and debt. The court heard that he repeatedly apologised during the robbery and was remorseful, but Judge Carl Harrison sentenced him to two years and eight months in prison.

David Sainsbury, 69, was found dead in a barn at his home in Mamhilad near Pontypool on July 15. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. An inquest at Gwent Coroner’s Court heard that a post-mortem examination had been conducted and that the provisional cause of death was suspension by ligature. Area coroner Rose Farmer adjourned the inquest until April 21.

Police found 52-year-old Sarah Reynolds unresponsive at her Blackwood home on May 11 after her family raised concerns when they could not contact her. She was pronounced dead that afternoon. Area coroner Rose Farmer said a post-mortem examination had taken place and adjourned the inquest pending further results; the hearing is scheduled to resume on April 19, 2027.

An inquest has been opened into the death of 54-year-old Cwmbran man Nicholas Thomas, who suffered serious injuries in Lanzarote after a wooden bannister collapsed and he fell between 4.6 and 6.7 metres. He was treated in Spain and later flown to the UK, where he was transferred between hospitals before dying on July 10. The Spanish Civil Guard is investigating the incident, and the inquest has been adjourned until April 14, 2027.

Firefighters from Tenby Fire Station responded to a wildfire near Glen Beach in Saundersfoot after a disposable barbecue reportedly ignited scrub and woodland on the edge of Rhode Wood. The fire affected about 70 square metres of trees and bracken, was initially brought under control, and then extinguished after reigniting the following morning. The Hean Castle Estate said a major incident was narrowly avoided and urged local shops to restrict disposable barbecue sales during the dry spell.

A garage owner admitted fraudulently passing the MOT of a Volkswagen Tiguan later involved in a fatal crash on the A48 that killed three young people and seriously injured two others. Neil Lewis pleaded guilty after messages showed he knowingly certified the vehicle despite unresolved seatbelt and airbag faults. Family members of victim Darcy Ross confronted him outside Cardiff Magistrates’ Court before police intervened. Ross’ family expressed ongoing grief and frustration, stating they have sought answers for more than three years and remain committed to ensuring accountability.

Several Newport and Cwmbran residents were fined in magistrates' court for keeping uninsured vehicles, each receiving identical penalties, while another resident admitted speeding and received a fine, penalty points and a surcharge.

A 45‑year‑old Tredegar man, David McPaul, has been charged with involvement in supplying heroin and crack cocaine between February 2023 and July 2024. After appearing at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, his case was sent to Cardiff Crown Court, where he is due to enter pleas on August 7. He was remanded in custody and represented by James Harris, while the prosecution was led by Laura Thomas.

A man in his seventies was taken to hospital following a serious cycling crash on Devauden Road in St Arvans. Two Wales Air Ambulance helicopters and paramedics responded, with no other vehicles believed to be involved. Police reported challenging road conditions due to resurfacing and loose chippings, as described by a witness.

Police found nearly £30,000 in cash and more than 770 grams of cocaine after arresting James Roe in Bargoed, leading to guilty pleas for drug supply and possession of criminal property. Phone evidence showed he had been dealing since January. His defence cited personal and financial difficulties, but the judge described the operation as significant and sentenced him to three years and four months in prison.

Magistrates’ court cases across Newport, Pontypool, Caerphilly, and Monkswood resulted in fines, driving disqualifications, community orders, and restraining measures for offences including threatening behaviour, failure to provide a specimen, drink driving, speeding, and assaulting a police officer.

Luke Ross, a 33-year-old from Newport, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply and holding criminal property including £7,000 in cash and an e-bike. He appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, and the case has been sent to Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing with a pre-sentence report ordered. Ross was granted conditional bail until his August 7 court appearance, with representation from Gareth Williams and prosecution by Laura Thomas.

A man in Bettws was assaulted outside his home after an argument at a petrol station, leading to David and Jordan Dixon pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The victim suffered a perforated eardrum and lasting hearing damage. David Dixon, with previous convictions, and his son Jordan received suspended prison sentences, unpaid work or rehabilitation requirements, compensation orders, and restraining orders after the judge described the attack as a vicious assault.

Several defendants from Newport, Caerphilly, Cwmbran and Blackwood received sentences for offences including speeding, assault, breaching a restraining order, criminal damage and causing serious injury by careless driving. Penalties ranged from fines and compensation orders to conditional discharges, community orders and driving disqualifications, depending on the severity of each offence.

Police stopped Jake Miller in Newport after noticing a strong smell of cannabis and found cash, cocaine and cannabis in his bag. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply both drugs, marking his third drug trafficking conviction and triggering a mandatory minimum sentence. The court heard he had been recalled to prison and claimed financial difficulties led to his involvement. Recorder Robin Rouch imposed a sentence of 2,045 days in prison and ordered the forfeiture of drugs and cash.

A Newport man, Lee Norman, was jailed for ten weeks for breaching a restraining order by visiting his on‑off partner, despite prior convictions including a previous breach. The court heard the contact was consensual, and his lawyer argued he had used his time in custody to improve himself. The judge noted the relationship continued despite the order but imposed the sentence, which Norman has effectively already served. The existing restraining order is due to expire next month and will not be extended.

Several defendants appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court for speeding, driving without insurance or a licence, and running a red light in Newport and Caerphilly. Fines, surcharges, costs and penalty points were issued, and one driver received a six‑month ban due to accumulated points.

Residents in Usk and nearby towns have been advised of a noticeable emergency services presence due to planned water‑based training exercises by the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The drills, taking place in Usk, Cardiff, Merthyr and Bridgend, aim to maintain readiness and are not cause for alarm. The service also urged the public to follow basic water‑safety precautions.

A small fire near the entrance of Newport’s household waste recycling centre forced its early closure, though it was quickly extinguished. Newport City Council announced the site would remain closed for safety while the area was cleared, with normal operations expected to resume the following day.

A Newport man, Mason Lewis, pleaded not guilty at Cardiff Crown Court to charges of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a 15‑year‑old girl in November 2024. Judge Shomon Khan scheduled the trial for February 1, 2027, and granted Lewis bail. Lewis was represented by Dan Jones, while Jenny Yeo appeared for the prosecution.

A Pontypool man, Daryll Barnby, pleaded guilty at Newport Magistrates’ Court to four offences of sharing intimate images of a woman without consent for sexual gratification on multiple dates in May of the previous year. He received a one‑year community order, 120 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation activity days, and was ordered to pay costs and a surcharge. The case was handled by defence representative Sam Day and prosecutor Jessica Taylor‑Goddard.

A 37-year-old Caerphilly man, Mark Powell, was acquitted of raping a girl under 13 after denying the charge during a trial. The prosecution alleged the offence occurred in 2023, but the jury found him not guilty on July 8. Judge Lucy Crowther discharged him from the dock.

A Blaenavon man, Shane Kennedy, admitted breaching a restraining order by sending a letter to a woman despite being prohibited from contacting her. Newport Magistrates’ Court sentenced him to a one-year community order, 40 hours of unpaid work, 10 rehabilitation days, and ordered him to pay costs and a surcharge. The case was prosecuted by Jessica Taylor-Goddard, with Lewis Priest representing the defendant.

A Newport shop, Zam Zam on Chepstow Road, was ordered by Newport Magistrates’ Court to close immediately for three months following an application by Newport City Council under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Access to the premises is restricted to those with written council permission, and the owners must pay £531 in costs. The closure order expires on October 7.

A Newport man, Ridwan Rahman, was caught driving with more than twice the legal cannabis limit in Milford Haven on New Year’s Day. He pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court and received a 12‑month driving ban, a £323 fine, and additional costs and surcharge.

Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of 49-year-old Carwyn Jones, last seen on CCTV at a Tesco Express in Cardiff on June 24. Officers provided his physical description and noted possible links to the Splott area. The public is urged to contact Gwent Police with any information, quoting the provided reference number, and Carwyn is encouraged to reach out to authorities.

Kiaya Parsons of Newport, who became critically ill while in Hurghada with acute pancreatitis, sepsis and related complications, has been assessed as stable to travel and is returning to the UK on July 7. A medical team and the British Consulate authorized a Fit to Fly certificate, allowing her to take a commercial flight with a medical escort. A community crowdfunding effort initially set up to fund an air ambulance is no longer needed, and the family plans to refund donations. She will be transferred directly to the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran for continued treatment once back in the UK.

A father and son from Pontypool cycled 221 miles from Anglesey to Rhoose in extreme heat to raise funds for St David's Hospice Care and Parkinson’s Cymru, motivated by family experiences with Parkinson’s and cancer. Their effort has raised more than £5,700, and they described strong public support and months of training leading up to the challenge.