Former Welsh Mayor Found Guilty of Sexual Assault

Former Labour town councillor for Maesteg, Andrew James, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman at The Federation bar in December 2023. ⚖️

The 52-year-old, who served as mayor of Maesteg Town Council during 2022-23, pleaded guilty to a single charge of sexual assault and was sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on March 25.

James, of Hermon Road, Caerau, Maesteg, was ordered to register with the police for five years and given a community order to participate in activities for a maximum of 15 days. He must also pay costs of £85 along with a victim surcharge of £114.

The former councillor, who represented the Caerau ward, lost his seat in 2024 after failing to attend meetings for six months. A spokesman for Maesteg Town Council said: “Mr James failed to attend any meetings for six months and therefore ceased to be a councillor. His last attendance at a meeting was December 18, 2023.”

James also served as chair of governors at Nantyffyllon Primary School but was reportedly suspended from this role after a police investigation was announced.

A spokesman for Welsh Labour declined to comment, but it is understood that James’ party membership has been suspended.