Cardiff Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 98 verdicts at Cardiff Crown Court (Cardiff). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Abigail Queen

Possession with intent to supply cannabis

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months, 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and a three-month tagged curfew

Abigail Queen, 28, was the registered owner of a black Mazda CX-5 that made multiple trips between Cardiff and Liverpool. On May 27, police pulled over the car on the A449 near the Coldra roundabout in Newport, where they discovered two large boxes containing 39 vacuum-packed bags of cannabis, each weighing 500g, with a street value of £112,000. She initially told police she was delivering clothes and denied the offences, but later pleaded guilty. She claimed she was 'stitched up' and was trying to do a favour for a friend.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis. Of previous good character. Fell into debt from excessive cannabis use and was coerced into acting as a courier by drug dealers.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Cyle Kidner

Assault by beating and racially/religiously aggravated harassment

July 30, 2025

Sentence: Two-year community order, alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement, and 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement

Cyle Kidner assaulted his partner by screaming at her aggressively in Cardiff Bay on September 23, 2024, causing her to be visibly upset and crying. He slapped her hand away when she tried to hold his, then pushed a man who confronted him about his behaviour and threatened to 'take on' the man and his colleagues. Later, at the St David's Hotel, he was obstructive during arrest, assaulted a police officer by lunging and hitting him on the arm, and racially abused another officer in custody by repeatedly calling him derogatory names and making offensive remarks about his heritage.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Judge described his language as 'vile racist language' and said he should be ashamed. He was of previous good character and found prison a struggle.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Kirk Richards

Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and Intentional Strangulation

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment (suspended for 18 months), 60 days alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement, 150 hours unpaid work, 26 sessions of a programme requirement, 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement, and £2,000 compensation

Kirk Richards, 35, of Merthyr Tydfil, assaulted his partner after an argument following a night out on April 20. He pulled out a chunk of her hair, dragged her to the floor, stood on her chest to pin her down, and strangled her three times with his hands until she experienced pins and needles, struggled to breathe, and nearly lost consciousness. The victim fought back by digging her nails into him and hitting him, and she apologised in an attempt to stop the attack. She has since reported significant emotional and mental impact, including trust issues and constant fear.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation. Has five previous convictions for offences including battery. Judge described the act as cowardly, and the victim reported being petrified and fearing for her life.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Jamie Germaine

Conspiracy to supply MDMA

July 29, 2025

Sentence: Seven years and four months' imprisonment

Jamie Germaine, 52, made nine trips to the Box Hotel in Newport with his son Shaquille Germaine and brother Tyrell Germaine, as part of an organised crime gang's drug operation. On June 15, 2023, he travelled to the hotel and was stopped by police on the A48 in Marshfield, where a bag containing class A drugs was found in the vehicle.

Ihtesham Ali Hassan

Conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine, and MDMA

July 29, 2025

Sentence: 14 months' imprisonment

Ihtesham Ali Hassan, the hotel manager, facilitated a conspiracy involving an organised crime gang at the Box Hotel in Newport and its sister hotel, the Box Guest House. He allowed the storage of heroin, cocaine, and MDMA, and enabled drug couriers to operate from the hotel, travelling throughout the UK to deliver and collect large quantities of drugs and cash.

Andrew Thornton

Breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order

July 29, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years, 2 years community order, 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 6 months trail monitoring requirement, 120 hours unpaid work, and £150 in court costs

Andrew Thornton, already subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order from a 2021 conviction for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, breached the order by using prohibited apps like Zangi and Telegram for encrypted communication. Police examination of his phone on April 28 revealed he had contacted a 14-year-old girl and made Airbnb bookings. A search of his address uncovered unregistered phones and children's underwear sized 12 to 14 years old, for which he provided no explanation.

Pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order. Has five previous convictions. Lives alone and works as a delivery driver. Barrister noted a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Shaquille Germaine

Conspiracy to supply MDMA

July 29, 2025

Sentence: Seven years and six months' imprisonment

Shaquille Germaine, 27, made nine trips to the Box Hotel in Newport with his father Jamie Germaine and brother Tyrell Germaine, involving an organised crime gang's drug operation. Messages on his phone showed involvement in selling large amounts of MDMA tablets, branded with Donkey Kong. On June 15, 2023, he was stopped by police on the A48 in Marshfield, where 4,553 MDMA tablets worth between £13,599 and £45,330 were found in the vehicle. Class A drugs worth £135,000 were later seized from the hotel.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply MDMA and being concerned in the supply of MDMA. Benefited £119,965 from the offending but has no available assets, and was ordered to pay a nominal sum of £1.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Tyrell Germaine

Conspiracy to supply MDMA

July 29, 2025

Sentence: Four years and two months' imprisonment

Tyrell Germaine, 29, made nine trips to the Box Hotel in Newport with his brother Shaquille Germaine and father Jamie Germaine, as part of an organised crime gang's drug operation. On June 15, 2023, he travelled to the hotel and was stopped by police on the A48 in Marshfield, where he informed officers of a bag containing class A drugs in the vehicle, leading to the discovery of 4,553 MDMA tablets.

Christopher West

Causing death by dangerous driving

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for two years and eight months

Christopher West was driving his Vauxhall Astra over the 30mph speed limit on Heol Trelai, Caerau, Cardiff, on May 1, 2023, when he failed to see 15-year-old Keely Morgan on a pedestrian crossing, despite her being illuminated by an iPad. He struck and killed her at the scene. West had his two daughters and their friend in the car and was reportedly showing off by snaking along the road and disconnecting the car's black box, which invalidated his insurance.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing death while uninsured. Judge Paul Hobson described him as an irresponsible show-off and noted that his remorse was overshadowed by attempts to minimise responsibility.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Mohammed Hafiz

Unlawful wounding

July 16, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

On March 15, 2025, in Barry, Mohammed Hafiz was walking a dog when he encountered Morgan Wiseman, whom he knew from school. Hafiz shouted abuse at a woman across the road, and when Wiseman intervened, Hafiz became aggressive, smashed a pint glass into Wiseman's face, causing deep lacerations near his left eye and on his wrist. Wiseman required hospital treatment and has since experienced anxiety, fear of encountering Hafiz, and changes to his routine.

Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. Has 60 previous convictions including common assault, affray, possession of a bladed article, and battery. Was under the influence of alcohol, cocaine, and pregabalin at the time. Subject to a restraining order for five years.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Lucy Paginton

Fraud by false representation

July 10, 2025

Sentence: Four years and eight months imprisonment

Lucy Paginton defrauded an elderly couple, Jack Hillier and Mary Hillier, out of £150,000 by creating false documents, including fabricated bank statements, letters from HM Courts and Tribunal Service, and documents from housebuilding companies. She convinced them of fictional property sales, civil claims, and compensation entitlements, starting in 2017. The couple had trusted her with their finances, and she spent the money on luxury items and services.

Pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation. Ordered to pay £1 back under Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Paul Harris

Conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 8 years and 8 months imprisonment

Paul Harris, 28, led an organised crime gang based in southeast Wales, involved in the wholesale supply of cocaine and ketamine. He fled to Spain and then to Venezuela and Colombia after co-conspirators were arrested. Raids in Monmouthshire between February and October 2021 seized over £50,000 worth of drugs, more than £40,000 in cash (including £38,000 hidden in a book), and mobile phones linking him to the operation. He involved his mother and stepfather but abandoned them upon fleeing. He was extradited back to the UK and has been unable to build a relationship with his four-year-old daughter due to his actions.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. Has eight previous convictions, including supplying cannabis. Judge noted he was close to the original source and involved in buying and selling on a commercial scale for substantial financial gain. Mitigation included that he was not 'wanted' when he left the UK and attempted to return, but faced issues with his expired passport.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Mohammed Zahid

Causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 16-month community order, 180 hours of unpaid work, and 12-month driving disqualification

On September 13, 2023, Mohammed Zahid was driving a white van on the A483 near Llanddewi in Powys when he turned right into an unclassified road but failed to see George Wilson, a 72-year-old motorcyclist, approaching from the opposite direction. The van collided with the motorcycle, striking the passenger-side wheel arch and throwing Mr. Wilson from his bike into the air. He sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene despite paramedics' efforts. Zahid remained at the scene, assisted authorities, and tested negative for alcohol and drugs, with no evidence of excessive speed.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. Of previous good character. Judge noted it was a momentary lapse of concentration and that he has been devastated by the incident.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Alex Rickwood

Dangerous Driving

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 5 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 7 years and 8 months

Alex Rickwood was driving an uninsured MG ZR car without a valid MOT and with a fraudulent trade plate on High Street, Dowlais. He lost control while speeding well above the 30 mph limit, estimated at 36 to 45 mph or more, failed to negotiate a bend, over-corrected, hit a lamppost, and mounted the pavement, striking and killing Catherine Bradford, a 52-year-old grandmother who was out jogging in a bright pink running top. The incident occurred on September 19, 2022, and Rickwood remained at the scene, calling emergency services.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and using a fraudulent trade plate. Described as showing genuine remorse and traumatised by his actions. Judge noted his driving fell well below the required standard.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Georgie Tannetta

Murder

June 27, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years

Georgie Tannetta stabbed James Brogan, 43, in the arm with a 15-inch knife in a Cardiff park on November 12, 2024, during a revenge attack following a previous scuffle. He left Brogan bleeding heavily, leading to multiple organ failure and death the next day. Tannetta was found hiding in his aunt's home and arrested on suspicion of murder.

Found guilty after trial; denied murder and possession of a bladed article; judge described the attack as cowardly, borne of a hair-trigger temper and fixation with knives; shouts of 'yes, yes' from the public gallery during sentencing.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

David Taylor

Arranging or facilitating a child sexual offence

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of 5 years

David Taylor, 43, of Barry, engaged in sexualised conversations with two decoys he believed to be 14 and 15-year-old girls on social media. He used the username 'TheDude123' and attempted to groom them by discussing sex, sending links to pornographic websites, describing masturbation, asking them to touch themselves, requesting images, and suggesting they meet for 'naked stuff'. This occurred in April, and he was reported by a paedophile hunting group, leading to his arrest for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He has a history of similar offences dating back to 2005.

Pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating a child sexual offence, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, breaching sex offender notification requirements, and attempting to meet a girl under 16 by grooming. He has a significant record of seven convictions for paedophilic offences, including indecent assault and breaches of prevention orders. The judge described him as a predatory paedophile who struggles to control his urges.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Curtis Baker

Possession with intent to supply a Class A drug

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Curtis Baker was stopped by police after being seen making a short exchange in his car in Bridgend on June 6, 2024. He attempted to grab his phone and flee during the stop. Officers found cash in his car, and messages on his phone suggested involvement in drug supply. A search of his house revealed a bag of cocaine and digital weighing scales.

Tuncay Karakulah

Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm

June 26, 2025

Sentence: Six months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement, and 180 hours unpaid work

Tuncay Karakulah was called by his cousin who worked at a kebab shop in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, after a customer broke into his car in the early hours of May 25. He armed himself with a knife, drove to the car park, confronted the victim who had been looking into a Renault Clio, punched him once, knocking him unconscious and causing a fractured nose and jaw. Police found the victim on the ground, performed CPR, and Karakulah later reported the incident.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article. Judge commented that he should not have taken the knife to the scene. Has limited convictions for motoring offences and acted spontaneously.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Tyler Barnsley

Trafficking

June 25, 2025

Sentence: 3 years detention in a young offenders institute

Tyler Barnsley, 18, exploited a 14-year-old boy by recruiting him to deliver cocaine and cannabis, using him as a drug runner and rewarding him with cannabis. This occurred despite a prior court order prohibiting contact with the boy. Police investigations, including raids on his grandmother's home in Tredegar on September 27 and November 26, 2024, uncovered 135g of cannabis worth over £1,350, a knife, drug paraphernalia, and messages related to drug supply. A package from Thailand containing 3,080g of cannabis addressed to an alias was also intercepted.

Pleaded guilty to trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs. He had previous cautions for drug-related offences and was described as having fractured early teenage years. The judge noted his lack of concern for the child's welfare.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Shaun Gallagher

Indecent assault

June 25, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

Shaun Gallagher, 57, indecently assaulted his 13-year-old victim by masturbating in her presence and touching her body, attempting to touch her between her legs, while she was awake but pretending to be asleep. The incident occurred when the victim witnessed these events, leaving her feeling frozen by fear. As a result, she suffered from nightmares of dark shadows, a loss of her sense of innocence, safety, and feelings of shame and wrongdoing.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted by the jury. Has six previous convictions, including a 6-year sentence for rape in 2017. Judge Shomon Khan noted that despite compliance with probation requirements, an immediate custodial sentence was necessary.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Steven Driscoll

Malicious Communications and Criminal Damage

June 25, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order, 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 90-day curfew, three-year restraining order, and £500 costs

Steven Driscoll, 57, of Neyland Place, Caerau, Cardiff, had been in a six-year relationship that ended in 2022. On October 21, 2023, he sent a voice recording to his ex-partner's friend, capturing an argument where he threatened to 'ruin her' by posting about her alleged wrongdoings and sexual favours on social media. He made further threats in messages, claiming he would destroy her life, cause her to lose her job and house. On November 5, 2023, he appeared at her home, threw a garden ornament at her window, causing damage, and scratched her car, resulting in £2,000 worth of damage. This was part of a sustained campaign of harassment.

Pleaded guilty to malicious communications and criminal damage. Has 16 previous convictions, including drink driving and driving without a licence or insurance in 2018. Sentenced by Judge Daniel Williams.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Stuart Wood

Supply of Cocaine

June 25, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Stuart Wood, 39, of Duke Street, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, was stopped by police on the A40 south of the Monmouth tunnels while driving a black Mercedes Benz. He was found in possession of 265g of cocaine with a street value of £26,500 hidden in the engine chamber. Intelligence indicated he had made multiple journeys between Cheshire and Monmouth on June 11, August 28, October 11, and November 26, transporting similar amounts of cocaine, totalling approximately 1.3kg. His role involved supplying cocaine to dealers, and he had developed a debt from cocaine use, which led to his involvement.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Has 11 previous convictions, including two offences of money laundering involving sums of £300,000 and £261,000. Judge Daniel Williams commented that he realised he was playing for high stakes and lost. His family believed he was working as an electrician while committing the offences.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Ba Dak Koul

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

June 25, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment and a three-year restraining order

Ba Dak Koul repeatedly punched Milad Rostami in the head and face after being asked to turn down the television in their asylum seeker accommodation in Cardiff on May 22, 2024. The assault involved multiple punches, causing the victim to bleed and suffer injuries including lacerations to the scalp and forehead, bruises to the left eye socket, a broken tooth, a bite to the shoulder, blurred vision, concussion, poor sleep, head pains, chest heaviness, and concerns about memory loss. The incident escalated into the street, with Koul chasing the victim until passers-by intervened.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Has two previous convictions for battery and common assault. Travelled to the UK from South Sudan seeking asylum, with his asylum application pending.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Lee Winmill

Engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour

June 25, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months; 180 hours unpaid work; 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement; 8-year restraining order

Lee Winmill, 45, from Barry, engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards his fiancée from 2021 onwards, after they became engaged in 2023. He monitored her with security cameras, tracked her location, isolated her from friends and family, inspected her belongings, accused her of infidelity including claiming she was unfaithful in her sleep, and was verbally aggressive. This included interrupting her conversations, bombarding her with calls and texts, and confronting her after she ended the relationship, leading to her feeling imprisoned and experiencing significant distress.

Pleaded guilty to engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. Of previous good character, with a new relationship and employment as a mechanic. Judge noted that the behaviour erodes autonomy and sense of self.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Leigh Bishop

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Leigh Bishop, 23, was involved in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. Police observed him topping up a drugs line phone at Tesco in St Mellons, Cardiff, on November 13, 2024. A raid on his home in Crumlin Drive, Trowbridge, uncovered 18.5g of crack cocaine worth up to £1,710, 3.5g of heroin worth up to £120, digital scales, a machete, cash, and mobile phones. Examination of the phones showed he sent text messages advertising drugs.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Has one previous conviction for possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs. The judge noted that an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Mark Barnfield

Making indecent images of children

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 2-year community order, £500 fine, 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 5-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and 5-year sex offender notification requirements

Mark Barnfield, 43, of Barry, spent hours creating AI images depicting child abuse by using photographs of real celebrities to generate graphic images of children as young as two years old being sexually abused by adults. He was arrested on February 28 after police received intelligence about indecent images. An examination of his laptop revealed 332 category A images, 91 category B images, 1,014 category C images, and four prohibited images, all AI-generated but realistic enough to be legally categorised as photographs. His browsing history showed searches for terms like 'porn kids incest' and for celebrities such as Emma Stone to make them appear younger. He claimed he created the images to 'train himself' not to have a sexual interest in children.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing prohibited images of children. Described as a sad, lonely, and vulnerable individual who became obsessed with pornography. Judge Daniel Williams noted that the activity can only fuel the disgusting abuse of children involved in such images. He has four previous convictions, none relevant to these charges.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Callum Mayer

Possession with intent to supply class B drugs

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 2-year community order, 150 hours unpaid work, 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and £500 costs

Callum Mayer, 18, was involved in the supply of cannabis. He lived in the same property as Leigh Bishop in Crumlin Drive, Trowbridge. Police raids found him in possession of 700g of cannabis worth up to £2,330. Examination of mobile phones revealed he sent text messages advertising drugs as part of the 'Gigi line' operation.

Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to supply class B drugs. Has previous convictions for affray and possession of an offensive weapon. Mitigation included his younger age, dealing only in class B drugs, and a personal cannabis habit costing £10 per day.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Daniel Boucher

Causing death by dangerous driving

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment and banned from driving for 6 years and 4 months

Daniel Boucher was driving his Peugeot 207 GTI at excessive speed and showing off on Ty Du Road on April 18, 2023. He lost control on a bend, causing the vehicle to leave the road, crash into a lamppost, flip onto its side, and strike 66-year-old David Chaplin, who was walking his dog after finishing work. The crash investigator determined that the speed exceeded the safe limit of 45-55 mph for the bend, leading to 'lift-off oversteer' due to the driver's actions.

Convicted after a trial for causing death by dangerous driving. The defendant denied the charge initially but was found guilty. The judge accepted his genuine remorse and noted he has no previous convictions.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Lee Jakes

Arson

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 4 months imprisonment and £187 costs

Lee Jakes set fire to Dyfrig House, a supported accommodation unit on Fitzhamon Embankment in Cardiff, shortly before midnight at the beginning of March 2025, causing £2 million in damage. The fire left 21 occupants homeless, with smoke visible for miles, and no injuries were reported.

Kaci Payne

Drug dealing

June 23, 2025

Sentence: £3,000 confiscation order

Kaci Payne, 25, was involved in drug dealing, having been found with a phone connected to a drugs line and admitting to working under direction, which led to the discovery of involvement in selling heroin and cocaine.

Was found with a phone connected to a drugs line and claimed to be working under direction.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

John Stringer

Sexual assault

June 21, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

John Stringer, a PC with Gwent Police, was convicted of two counts of sexual assault by touching, two counts of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Found guilty of multiple sexual offenses against a child. The abuse was reported after the victim confided in a teaching assistant at school.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Huw Orphan

Grievous bodily harm

June 21, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Huw Orphan, a constable with Gwent Police, kicked his wife down a flight of stairs during an argument, resulting in her suffering a fractured spine and ongoing pain and mobility issues.

Assaulted his wife, causing a fractured spine. He was found guilty by a jury and barred from policing.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Rhys Warren

Rape

June 21, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 10 weeks detention in a young offender institution

Rhys Warren, after drinking heavily, encountered a schoolgirl in the Abertillery area of Wales. He attempted to kiss her, bit her on the lip, and expressed intent to have sex with her. When the victim tried to escape, he kicked her legs from under her, forced her to her knees on a footpath, and raped her by holding her head. The incident occurred by chance, and the victim has since struggled with sleep, nightmares, fear of going out, and a decline in school performance.

Pleaded guilty to rape. No previous convictions. Was heavily intoxicated at the time, which robbed him of responsibility. Judge noted he had no concern for the victim and described the offence as terrible with lifelong impact.

Sources: mirror.co.uk

Shakr Hamad

Possession with intent to supply class B drugs

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment and 18 months driving disqualification

Shakr Hamad, 30, was stopped by police on April 10 last year while driving a Ford Focus in Cardiff, where cannabis was smelled emanating from the car. He tested positive for cannabis influence and was found with eight zip lock bags of cannabis worth up to £400, £440 in cash, and an iPhone showing he had received postcodes for deliveries from an organised crime group. He was released on bail but was stopped again on March 15 this year in Butetown, where a search revealed 30 snap bags of cannabis worth up to £1,700, £525 in cash, and a knuckleduster. He was part of a WhatsApp group with other drugs runners and became agitated during his police interview.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs, possession of criminal property, possession of an offensive weapon, and driving whilst disqualified. He has one previous conviction for motoring offences. In mitigation, his asylum application was unsuccessful, but another has been made. The judge noted that deportation steps may be taken, though decided by the Home Office.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Wayne Adams

Causing serious injury by careless/inconsiderate driving

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 24-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work

Wayne Adams was driving a white Peugeot van on the B4280 in Bridgend on September 5, 2022, when he failed to see cyclist David Walters due to low sunlight. He struck the cyclist from behind, causing him to crash and suffer severe injuries including fractures to the spine, ribs, and breast bone, as well as soft tissue injuries and fluid in the abdominal cavity. Adams initially thought he had hit a sheep and only realised it was a person upon returning to the scene.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless/inconsiderate driving. Has previous convictions for eight offences. Self-employed bricklayer with health issues including high blood pressure, COPD, and anxiety, and acts as a carer for his 84-year-old mother.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Jordan Barron

Dangerous driving

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 18 month community order, £414 fine, and 18 months driving disqualification

On March 29, 2025, Jordan Barron was driving a Ford Fiesta when police spotted him and initiated a pursuit. He engaged in dangerous driving, including going the wrong way around roundabouts, mounting kerbs and bollards, overtaking carelessly, failing to stop at a red light, and driving on the wrong side of the road despite his tyres being damaged by a police stinger. The chase lasted about 10 minutes and ended when he crashed into a police car in an industrial estate and attempted to flee on foot before being arrested. He admitted he knew he was being followed and lacked insurance.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, and driving without a licence or insurance. Has 12 previous convictions and three prior driving disqualifications. Suffers from learning disabilities and mental health issues. Judge commented that it was an extended period of driving with risks taken.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Dima Sarafa

Causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 10 day rehabilitation activity requirement, 200 hours unpaid work, and disqualified from driving for 12 months

Dima Sarafa, a 20-year-old driver who had recently passed her test, was on her lunch break when she struck and killed 73-year-old Philip Jones on a zebra crossing in Llanedeyrn Drive, Cardiff, on January 6, 2023. She was driving her Ford Fiesta at 24-25mph in a 20mph zone without braking before the collision, despite a glare in her vision. Mr Jones suffered severe head injuries, including a fractured skull and brain bleeding, and died on April 11, 2023. Witnesses described Sarafa as hysterical at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving. Described as of previous good character and devastated by the incident. Judge noted the defendant was inexperienced and fully responsible.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Callum Coate

Controlling and Coercive Behaviour

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months; 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement; 10-year restraining order

Callum Coate engaged in a pattern of violent and controlling behaviour towards his partner starting in 2023. Incidents included strangling her multiple times, including when she was 10 weeks pregnant, where he kneed her in the stomach and prevented her from leaving the house. On another occasion, he lifted her off the ground by her throat until she passed out. Further assaults involved punching and strangling her, fuelled by jealousy and demands for money for cannabis. The violence continued after the birth of their child, with him accusing her of infidelity and trashing the home.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, three counts of intentional strangulation, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The defendant was of previous good character and has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and a learning disability. Judge Paul Hobson remarked that the victim did not deserve to be treated in this way.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Mark Moon

Strangulation, Actual Bodily Harm, and Assault by Beating

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment and a 10-year restraining order

On February 15, 2025, Mark Moon, after consuming Stella beer and a full bottle of spirits, kicked his partner in the ribs, winding her and causing a facial wound that impaired her vision. Her head struck a plug socket with such force that it broke. When her daughter attempted to help, he pinned her against the wall, strangled her by putting his arm around her neck and restricting her breathing, and verbally abused her, blaming her for provoking him. This incident occurred six days before his partner's father's funeral, leaving lasting emotional and physical scars on both victims.

Pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm (ABH), strangulation, and assault by beating. Judge Simon Mills warned that future violence, especially against women, would result in a much harsher sentence. He has 36 previous convictions, including for violence and battery.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Qounain Khan

Fraud by false representation

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Qounain Khan impersonated registered test takers for driving theory tests at various centres in England and Wales from November 22, 2021, to June 15, 2023. He attended 12 occasions, including centres in Cardiff, Chesterfield, Redditch, Worcester, Wolverhampton, Horley, Dudley, Swindon, Bradford, and Carlisle. On most occasions, he was turned away, but in Cardiff, he was caught after providing false identification. He claimed he was paid £300 to take the test and had never done it before, though investigations proved otherwise. The impersonation could have earned up to £2,000 per passed test.

Pleaded guilty to 12 counts of fraud by false representation and 12 counts of possessing an article for use in fraud. Of previous good character; became unemployed, leading to alcohol, gambling, and cannabis misuse, resulting in a £20,000 debt. Now clean of drugs, studying business, a father expecting another child, and a registered carer for his mother. Judge Richard Kember noted it was a long and sophisticated period of offending designed to undermine driving test standards, requiring a deterrent sentence.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Anthony Foley

Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm

June 18, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 4 months imprisonment and a 5-year restraining order

On November 21, 2024, Anthony Foley entered Ciaran Smith's home after they had been drinking together the previous night. He punched Smith twice in the face and attacked him with a knife, inflicting two wounds to Smith's left forearm and causing a fracture that required a cast. The incident has had a significant impact on Smith's mental health, daily tasks, and relationships.

Pleaded guilty to wounding inflicting GBH, section 18 wounding, and possession of a bladed article. Has 28 previous convictions for 50 offences, including offences against the person. The judge hoped it would be a turning point in his life.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Alex Tunstall

Being concerned in the supply of cannabis

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 21 months

Alex Tunstall was involved in the supply of cannabis. On November 24, 2022, he was stopped by police while driving a grey Volkswagen Tiguan and found with a couple of hundred pounds in cash. Police discovered £34,980 in cash and 441.2g of cannabis worth over £2,000 in the car. He claimed the money came from his work as a landscape gardener, but HMRC records showed minimal income. The family home had a cannabis farm in the attic with 32 plants.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Was serving a suspended sentence at the time of arrest and had five previous driving convictions. His involvement was financially motivated to support his partner and baby during Covid.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Brandon Tunstall

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and cannabis

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 3.5 years imprisonment

Brandon Tunstall was involved in the supply of Class A drugs between 2019 and 2021 and cannabis. On November 24, 2022, he was stopped by police while driving and found with £3,160 in cash. Police discovered a cannabis farm in the family home's attic, which contained 32 cannabis plants equipped with lights, scales, growing charts, and calendars. His phone showed messages discussing the management of the cannabis farm, including asking his parents to water the plants, and coordinating sales with his brother.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and cannabis. Had one previous regulatory conviction relating to the deposit of waste.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Darren Tunstall

Producing cannabis

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 80 hours of unpaid work

Darren Tunstall was involved in producing cannabis at the family home on Newport Road, Old St Mellons. On November 24, 2022, police searched the home and found a cannabis farm in the attic with 32 plants equipped with lights, scales, growing charts, and calendars. The family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, including an expensive kitchen, bathroom, feature fish tank, outbuildings, and two Mercedes cars. Messages on his son Brandon's phone indicated involvement in the cannabis farm.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. Described as a hard-working man of good character with no previous convictions.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Mark Burnell

Burglary

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Mark Burnell, 44, of no fixed abode, carried out multiple burglaries in Cardiff between December 29, 2024, and January 6, 2025. He stole items such as a handbag containing insulin, a purse, bank cards, cash, a bus pass, photographs, costume jewellery worth £100, a golfing watch worth £300, and used a stolen bank card to make purchases exceeding £100. He was caught on CCTV attempting to enter homes and was arrested after being identified from footage shared on social media.

Pleaded guilty to burglary, aggravated burglary, and fraud by false representation. Has 27 previous convictions including 58 offences of theft, 20 offences of fraud, and 15 offences of burglary. Mitigating factors include homelessness and mental health issues.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Debbie Tunstall

Producing cannabis

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with 10 rehabilitation requirement days

Debbie Tunstall was involved in producing cannabis at the family home on Newport Road, Old St Mellons. On November 24, 2022, police searched the home and found a cannabis farm in the attic with 32 plants equipped with lights, scales, growing charts, and calendars. Messages on her son Brandon's phone indicated she was asked to water the plants. The family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, including an expensive kitchen, bathroom, feature fish tank, outbuildings, and two Mercedes cars.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. Had four previous convictions dating back to 1998. Judge noted she largely ignored the presence of cannabis and had no financial interest in the production. She is the sole carer for her mother.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

James Berry

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

James Berry, a 31-year-old father of two from Newport Road in Roath, Cardiff, was found in possession of crack cocaine, cannabis, a machete, and drug paraphernalia during a police raid on his home on February 24, 2025. Police seized 48 wraps of crack cocaine (each 0.3g, valued between £1,200 and £1,400), five bags of cannabis (each 3g), and one bag containing 26.95g of cannabis (valued between £350 and £420). A burner phone linked to drug supply, which had sent 'text bombs' to customers, was also discovered, though it could not be directly attributed to him. Berry claimed he owed a substantial drug debt that had spiralled out of control and admitted to benefiting from some financial gain.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Has 24 previous convictions, including theft and a drug offence. Judge Shomon Khan noted that Berry had a significant role in supplying drugs directly to users and was aware of the scale of the operation and expected profit.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Sinead Sandell

Theft and Common Assault

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 34 weeks imprisonment

Sinead Sandell approached a woman she knew in Francis Drive, Newport, on March 30, saying 'You know what you're doing' and 'Don't make me repeat myself'. She grabbed the victim's mobile phone and punched her in the back of the head, described as a weak punch, before walking away with the black Nokia phone. The victim was speaking on the phone at the time.

Pleaded guilty to theft and common assault. Has 36 previous convictions, mostly for shoplifting, and was subject to a community order at the time. Her barrister noted she was stealing to fund drug misuse and is now clean of class A drugs after remand.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

David Llewellyn

Sexual Assault

June 16, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

David Llewellyn, 39, of Tyndall Street, Butetown, Cardiff, sexually assaulted two teenage women by touching their bottoms and whispering sexual comments in their ears. In one incident, he cornered a victim, cupped her bottom, and said, 'Come on, you love it,' after she told him she was 19 and he responded, 'I've done much younger than that.' The second victim was also touched and confronted him, to which he admitted, 'Yes, I know.' The assaults left victims feeling uncomfortable, vulnerable, anxious, and scared to go out at night, with one suffering sleepless nights.

Denied two counts of sexual assault but was found guilty after a trial. Has four previous convictions, including making indecent images in 2018, and breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Judge Carl Harrison stated the offences were too serious for anything other than an immediate custodial sentence and noted the defendant minimised his actions.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Ahmet Cenaj

Possession with intent to supply class B drugs

June 14, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Ahmet Cenaj was stopped by police in Newport on October 14, 2024, while driving a Mercedes. The boot contained 950g of cannabis, £445 in cash, and two mobile phones. The phones revealed messages about purchasing and selling up to 7kg of cannabis in kilo quantities, as well as videos of him possessing, weighing, and packaging the drug.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class B drugs and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs. Spent 137 days on curfew. Albanian national with previous good character.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

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