Tom Moody

A prolonged fifth heatwave has left parts of Carmarthenshire exceptionally dry, causing wildfires, low river levels, algae growth, cancelled rugby matches and shortages of grazing land for livestock. The Met Office says Wales received just 9.3mm of rain in July 2026, nine percent of its long-term average, while the month was joint-warmest on record. A major wildfire covering more than 250 hectares is burning in the upper Towy Valley, and only limited rainfall is forecast in the affected areas in the near term.

A roundup of recent magistrates’ court cases reports penalties against six people for motoring offences. The cases involved uninsured or non-compliant vehicles, speeding in 20mph zones and failure to provide driver-identification information, resulting in fines, penalty points, driving bans, costs and surcharges.

Firefighters remain deployed at the Rhandirmwyn wildfire near Llandovery after renewed activity and localized spread prompted officials to describe the incident as challenging and dynamic. A helicopter is conducting water drops, with support from fire crews in North Wales and Lancashire. Several homes were evacuated, a major incident remains in place, road closures continue, and Carmarthenshire County Council is operating a rest centre. Officials thanked local farmers, residents and businesses for their assistance and urged the public to stay away from the area so emergency vehicles and crews can operate safely.

A helicopter has been mobilised to drop water on the Rhandirmwyn wildfire near Llandovery, where firefighters continue targeted operations in challenging terrain. The blaze has affected around 250 hectares, prompted a major incident declaration, and led to the precautionary evacuation of several homes. Fire services from North Wales and Lancashire are providing mutual aid, while Carmarthenshire County Council operates a rest centre and road closures remain in place.

Seven motorists from South Wales and surrounding areas faced magistrates’ courts for offenses including speeding, keeping untaxed vehicles and using tyres below the legal tread limit. They received fines ranging from £40 to £531, penalty points, court costs, surcharges and, in some cases, back-duty payments.

Seven people from communities including Pontardawe, Ammanford, Gwaun Cae Gurwen, Llandybie, Llandeilo and Llandovery were sentenced for driving-related offences in magistrates’ courts. Penalties included fines, costs, surcharges, back duty, disqualifications and penalty points for offences including failing to identify a driver, driving without a licence or insurance, vehicle defects, speeding and keeping an untaxed vehicle.

Christopher Sims, 45, of Cross Hands, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates' Court to possessing two Category A child sexual abuse images. He was ordered to register with police until sentencing, granted bail, and the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report. He is due to return to court on August 26.

John George, 62, of Esgairdawe, pleaded not guilty at Llanelli Magistrates' Court to allegedly failing to surrender a revoked firearms certificate after receiving a police notice. He was granted bail and ordered to return for trial on October 8.

Stephen Baldwin, 49, of Talley, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to three breaches of his sex offender notification requirements. The offences involved failing to report a change of address, failing to complete a periodic police notification, and failing to tell police in Swindon within seven days that he had travelled abroad. The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report, and Baldwin was granted bail pending sentencing on August 14.

A roundup of four recent magistrates’ court cases involving residents of the Amman Valley, Ystalyfera and Pen-y-groes. Aaron Fillis was fined £80 for speeding in a 20mph zone; Christopher Caines was fined for using an untaxed vehicle; Ashleigh Mia Price was fined for keeping a vehicle that did not meet insurance requirements; and Michael Bramley was ordered to pay £1,044 and received six licence points for failing to identify a driver accused of speeding.

Several residents from Ammanford, Brynamman, Pontardawe and nearby areas received fines, penalty points or surcharges in magistrates' courts in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff and Bristol for offences including speeding, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and keeping an uninsured vehicle.

A man was assaulted on Union Street in Swansea after confronting Harvey Thomas for urinating on a building, prompting Thomas and Ryan Cousins to punch and kick him until nearby police intervened. The victim sustained dental injuries and a lip wound. Both defendants, aged 22, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and were noted to have no prior criminal history. Judge Paul Thomas KC condemned their behaviour as drunken and cowardly, imposing suspended prison sentences, unpaid work, rehabilitation requirements, and £1,500 compensation each to the victim.

Six defendants from Ammanford and nearby communities received fines, penalty points, or driving bans after being found guilty of offences including speeding, keeping or driving untaxed vehicles, lacking a rear number plate, and failing to identify a driver. Their cases were heard across magistrates’ courts in Swansea, Newport, Bradford, Northampton, Cardiff, and Llanelli, resulting in financial penalties, back duty payments, and in one case a six‑month driving ban.