A PENSIONER accused of causing more than £18,000 worth of damage at a Ceredigion car dealership will stand trial next summer, it was confirmed at Swansea Crown Court this week (Dec 9).

Seventy-eight-year-old Matthew Edmunds, of Dinas Ceri, Cwm Cou, pleaded not guilty to criminal damage at Cawdor Cars, Newcastle Emlyn, on April 19, 2024.

He is accused alongside a 15-year-old child, who cannot be named for legal reasons. That child has already admitted the offending, the court heard.

The court heard that the child applied paint stripper to several vehicles at the dealership and later helped to dispose of the clothing seen on CCTV. The prosecution allege that Edmunds denies involvement and permitted the child to take full responsibility for the incident.

Earlier hearings were told that six vehicles were damaged, with repair costs estimated at £18,373.31.

Edmunds attended court in a wheelchair, and the court was informed that he requires kidney dialysis sessions lasting around four-and-a-half hours, three days a week. The judge said the Crown Court would ensure the trial timetable accommodates his medical needs.

The case was adjourned for trial on June 16, 2026.

As of Tuesday 9 December 2025, coastal communities in Pembrokeshire remain on high alert as Storm Bram continues to batter the region with heavy rain, strong winds, and rising seas. Residents in low-lying estuary areas and seaside villages are being urged to remain vigilant as hazardous conditions persist.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued 11 flood warnings and 59 flood alerts across the country, with rivers and coastal stretches in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion at particular risk.

Flood Warnings in Force
Flood warnings, which indicate that flooding is expected and immediate action is required, are currently active at the following locations:

• ⚠️ River Towy – affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
• ⚠️ River Cynin at St Clears
• ⚠️ River Cothi at Pontargothi and Pontynyswen
• ⚠️ River Loughor at Ammanford and Llandybie
• ⚠️ River Solva at Solva
• ⚠️ Tidal area at Dale, Pembrokeshire
• ⚠️ River Ritec at Tenby

These warnings reflect river levels that are already elevated or expected to rise further due to persistent rainfall and saturated ground conditions.

Flood Alerts Across West Wales
Flood alerts, indicating that flooding is possible and residents should be prepared, cover an extensive area of West Wales:

• ⚠️ Upper and Lower Teifi catchments
• ⚠️ Mid Ceredigion rivers
• ⚠️ Lower and Upper Towy catchments
• ⚠️ Rivers Bran and Gwydderig
• ⚠️ Rivers Taf and Cynin
• ⚠️ Eastern and Western Cleddau
• ⚠️ South, North, and West Pembrokeshire
• ⚠️ Carmarthenshire coast
• ⚠️ Pembrokeshire coast
• ⚠️ Ceredigion coast between Clarach and Cardigan

The combination of strong winds and high tides increases the likelihood of coastal flooding along exposed shorelines, while inland communities face rising river levels.

Advice for Residents and Travellers

• 🛑 Residents: Move valuables to higher ground, check drains, and ensure emergency supplies are accessible.
• 🛑 Drivers: Avoid flooded roads and monitor Traffic Wales for closures.
• 🛑 Coastal areas: Keep away from sea fronts and estuaries, where waves and debris can pose serious hazards.

NRW recommends signing up for free flood warnings and using the 24-hour Floodline service on 0345 988 1188 for the latest updates.

While no severe flood warnings, which indicate danger to life, are currently in force, the situation remains fluid. Communities across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion are advised to remain alert and prepare for possible disruption to travel, power, and daily routines.

Storm Bram is expected to continue bringing prolonged rainfall, with West Wales particularly vulnerable due to its river catchments and exposed coastline. Vigilance and adherence to official guidance remain essential in the coming days.

FOLLOWING a successful pilot at Glangwili Hospital’s emergency department, Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) has rolled out Learning Disability Packs across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire. 

These packs are designed by the health board’s Learning Disabilities Team to make emergency hospital visits less stressful and more accessible for adults with learning disabilities. They provide clear, simple information and reassurance for patients and their families. 

The pack is available at Bronglais, Glangwili, Withybush hospital’s emergency departments (A&E) and Prince Philip Hospital’s Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU).

It is designed to provide clear, simple information and reassurance and includes: 

• Easy Read information 
• Pictures and symbols to aid understanding 
• Details about what will happen during the visit 
• Information about staff who can help 

To ensure the packs are offered promptly, the Learning Disabilities Team is working closely with front-of-house staff and holding staff drop-in sessions. Posters will also promote their availability throughout departments and patients, or their carer can ask for a pack at the reception desk.  

“These packs were developed to help make emergency care less stressful and more accessible for adults with learning disabilities. We’re delighted these packs are now available across our hospitals,” said Melissa Evans, Learning Disabilities Health Facilitation and Liaison Team Manager, at Hywel Dda UHB.  

Anyone with a learning disability is also encouraged to complete a Health Profile and share it with health workers when visiting hospital. This profile includes essential information for health workers and can be used across all health and social care appointments.  

Melissa added: “A Health Profile is an important communication tool for people with a learning disability. It can include information about how to communicate, their medication and allergies, and the reasonable adjustments they may need.  

“Everyone is different, so we encourage anyone with a learning disability to fill in a Health Profile and take it with them when you need to go to hospital or see health and social care staff.” 

Health Profiles are available to download at https://www.improvementcymru.net/health-profile along with advice on how to fill it in.