Cardiff Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 161 verdicts at Cardiff Crown Court (Cardiff). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Gerard Hallinan

Supply of cocaine

November 4, 2025

Sentence: 3 years detention in a young offenders institute

Gerard Hallinan, 22, of Davies Square, Newport, teamed up with Michelle Wetherall to supply class A drugs including crack cocaine from her home in Llansawel, Briton Ferry. On September 5, 2025, during a police raid, Hallinan was detained leaving the living room where 53g of crack cocaine worth up to £5,210 was found on a shelf, which he claimed was for personal use. Additional items included 3.2g of cannabis, THC sweets worth up to £10, blue tablets, drug paraphernalia, packaging with cocaine residue, and £5,731 in total cash. A second phone belonging to him contained drug-related messages showing dealings to users and other suppliers under the nickname 'Irish'. The operation involved joint dealing for significant profit.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property. Has three previous convictions, for offences including possession of cannabis and possessing prohibited items in prison. Difficult and fractured upbringing leading to cannabis use as coping mechanism.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Michelle Wetherall

Supply of cocaine

November 4, 2025

Sentence: 45 months imprisonment

Michelle Wetherall, 57, of Llansawel, Briton Ferry, teamed up with Gerard Hallinan to supply class A drugs including crack cocaine and cannabis from her home. On September 5, 2025, police raided the address after seeing a man leave with a pot containing a white substance. Officers found Wetherall in her bedroom with two tick lists, a phone, £1,000 in cash, 11g of cannabis worth up to £90, and 66 pregabalin tablets. Drug-related messages on her phone requested 'rock'. The operation involved selling to users and downstream suppliers for significant profit. Total cash seized was £5,731.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, and possession of criminal property. Has 45 previous convictions, including a sentence of three years imprisonment for possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine. Involved in dealing to fund her own crack cocaine addiction. Suffers from health problems including cervical cancer.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Nadeen Shahzad

Rape of a child

November 2, 2025

Sentence: 30 years imprisonment

Nadeen Shahzad, 45, of City Road, Roath, Cardiff, raped a child weekly for several years. The child was unaware of the nature of the acts and did not disclose them due to fear. The offences left the victim with severe psychological trauma, including sleep disturbances, school absences, insecurities, daily impacts, and suicidal thoughts. The anticipation of the trial over the last two years was extremely stressful for the victim.

Pleaded not guilty but found guilty after a week-long trial. No previous convictions. Judge described him as a persistent and relentless paedophile, arrogant, self-interested, and manipulative. Ordered no contact with children under 16 except inadvertently, prohibited from living with children under 16 without social services approval, and must register as a sex offender for life.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Sharmarke Ahmed

Fraud

October 31, 2025

Sentence: jailed

'Despicable' scammer Sharmarke Ahmed posed as a police detective to steal £27,000 in cash and jewellery from a woman in her 90s.

Aeron Gingell

Grievous Bodily Harm

October 31, 2025

Sentence: Detention in hospital for medical treatment under sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act 1981

On January 21, 2025, at St Cadoc's Hospital in Caerleon, Aeron Gingell, a 23-year-old mental health patient, attacked a fellow resident in a bathroom, leaving him unconscious in a pool of blood with two shoelaces tied tightly around his neck as ligatures. The victim's face turned blue, and he had blood coming from above one eye. The victim was taken to University Hospital of Wales for treatment. Gingell was detained at the hospital since February 2022 after being caught with knives. He later admitted to staff that he had killed the victim, influenced by voices and hallucinations where he believed the victim was sexually molesting him.

Suffers from severe schizoaffective disorder with somatic hallucinations. Judge satisfied of mental health disorder. Has substantially improved and will continue treatment at Ashworth Hospital.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Alan Pearson

Fraud

October 31, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Alan Pearson, 65, defrauded several customers by taking over £30,000 for external wall installations and leaving their homes in a state of utter devastation.

Called a 'liar and conman' who left homes in state of 'utter devastation'; ripped off customers for over £30,000

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Aaron Lloyd

Dangerous driving and supply of class A and B drugs

October 29, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 5 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 2 years

On November 17, 2023, police stopped a Vauxhall car in Castle Street, Caerphilly, due to a strong smell of cannabis. Aaron Lloyd, seated in the rear passenger seat, was found with £5,300 in cash protruding from his jacket pocket and approximately 5g of cannabis in a car pocket nearby. His phone revealed messages discussing the supply of Californian cannabis. In a separate incident on June 4, 2025, Lloyd drove a suspected cloned car in Caerphilly and fled off-road over Caerphilly Mountain upon spotting police. He rammed into multiple police cars after being slowed by stingers, causing £15,945 in damage. Officers smashed the car window to arrest him. The driving was described as extremely dangerous with obvious risk to officers.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in supply of crack cocaine, cocaine and cannabis, possession of criminal property, dangerous driving, possession of criminal property, no insurance/licence. Has 13 previous convictions for 20 offences, including dangerous driving in 2017 and possession of cannabis in 2017, 2018, and 2022. Completed courses in prison and has volunteered.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Andrew Bishop

Section 18 wounding with intent and racially aggravated common assault

October 29, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and 1 month imprisonment

Andrew Bishop, from Cardiff, followed his then-partner into the lobby of a Welsh hotel where they were staying, after an altercation in a city centre bar. He was captured on CCTV violently assaulting her by repeatedly punching and kicking her, leaving her with facial fractures requiring a three-night hospital stay. The victim fled the defendant's car into the lobby seeking help from the receptionist, prompting police involvement.

Pled guilty to section 18 wounding with intent and racially aggravated common assault. Subject to a 10-year restraining order.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Cory Jones

Sexual abuse and blackmail of children

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Cory Jones, aged 19 from Ynyswen, Rhondda Cynon Taf, contacted 37 girls aged 10 to 16 on Snapchat between 2022 and 2024. He gained their trust, often using aliases and lying about his age, before coercing them into sending explicit photos and videos. When some refused further demands, he blackmailed them by threatening to publish the images on social media. Jones also sent sexual images of himself to the victims. After his arrest, 172 indecent images of children were found on his phone. The victims reported feeling sick, betrayed, nervous, upset, and stupid for trusting him, with long-lasting harm to them and their families.

Admitted 69 offences including blackmail, causing a child to engage in sexual activity and distributing indecent images. Must serve a minimum of 5 years and 4 months before release. Placed on the sex offenders register for life. Judge noted he was corrupted by pornography and highlighted dangers of unsupervised social media access.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Dominic Wesley

Violence-based coercive control

October 8, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Dominic Wesley engaged in an eight-year campaign of controlling and violent behaviour towards his former partner Lois Griffiths, starting in 2017. Incidents included multiple assaults, such as injuring her intimate area in 2019 requiring medical attention, locking her outside naked in 2023, smearing fruit in her face and dragging her by ankles in July 2024, and entering her home uninvited on July 31, 2024, leading to his arrest. He threatened her life, manipulated her, and showed no remorse. The abuse spanned their relationship with breaks, affecting her and their two children.

Pleaded guilty to violence-based coercive control. Made subject of a restraining order preventing contact with victim until 2033.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Robert Ellis-Evans

Rape

September 22, 2025

Sentence: 8 years and 3 months imprisonment

Robert Ellis-Evans raped a 17-year-old girl while his partner, Sarah Vigus, held her down. The victim had passed out or fallen asleep after drinking vodka shots. The defendants had previously discussed a sexual interest in the victim via messages. The incident occurred when the victim awoke to find Vigus gripping her to keep her down, with Ellis-Evans penetrating her vagina with his penis. The victim screamed and cried upon realising what was happening, and the assault was reported to her parents and the police shortly after.

No previous convictions for sexual offences; expressed remorse and contrition; unable to see his children as a result of the offences.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Sarah Vigus

Rape

September 22, 2025

Sentence: 8 years and 3 months imprisonment

Sarah Vigus held down a 17-year-old girl while her partner, Robert Ellis-Evans, raped her. The victim had passed out or fallen asleep after drinking vodka shots. Vigus and Ellis-Evans had previously discussed a sexual interest in the victim via messages. Vigus was also found guilty of assault by penetration, where she admitted to penetrating the victim's vagina with her fingers but claimed it was consensual. The victim reported the incident to her parents and the police, leading to the defendants' arrest and conviction.

Of previous good character; has two children; stopped drinking and lost five stone in weight while in custody; considered a low risk of reoffending.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Leonard Rickard

Sexual assault of a child

September 22, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 9 months imprisonment with an extended 1 year on licence

Leonard Rickard, aged 76, sexually abused a seven-year-old girl while babysitting her between 2012 and 2013 at Coed Hills in St Hilary, in the Vale of Glamorgan. The abuse occurred in a yurt where he first kissed her while she pretended to be a princess, escalating to performing oral sex on her, touching her sexually, making her touch him, and attempting to incite her to perform oral sex. The victim, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, disclosed the abuse in her diary before dying at age 17.

Pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Has four previous convictions for sexual activity with a child under 16. Suffered a stroke in 2019 and possible early-onset dementia.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Robert Dumazel

Coercive Control

September 21, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years

Robert Dumazel subjected Mercedes Stephens to ongoing abuse during their eight-month relationship, including physical violence such as throwing mirrors at her, hitting her, kicking her, and smashing her car. He engaged in coercive control by isolating her from friends and family, preventing her from working or leaving the house, and manipulating her emotionally. Incidents occurred between late 2023 and April 2024, including assaults that left her with bruises, cuts, and facial injuries, as well as threats and property damage.

Dumazel celebrated outside the court by raising his fists in the air. Mercedes Stephens expressed dissatisfaction with the sentencing, believing it warranted immediate custody.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Megan Breen

Misconduct in public office

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, £500 costs, and 15 days rehabilitation

Megan Breen, a 23-year-old operational support grade worker at HMP Prescoed, formed an inappropriate relationship with a convicted drug dealer. She met him while he was on home leave, traveled to Merseyside, stayed in a hotel with him to celebrate her 20th birthday, and had sex with him. She also socialised with his family and exchanged affectionate messages. This occurred despite warnings during her induction training, and she was suspended after confiding in a colleague.

Showed remorse; pregnancy and childcare responsibilities were significant factors; did not pose a danger to the public; high culpability as she knew her actions were wrong.

Sources: lancs.live

Gerald Thomas

Attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 10 months imprisonment

Gerald Thomas contacted decoy accounts on social media, believing them to be 14-year-old girls. On January 13, he messaged a decoy, asked for photographs, made sexual comments, sent a photo of his penis, and instructed her to touch herself and perform oral sex. Despite being arrested and released on bail, he contacted another decoy on August 19, asking if she was 'horny', requesting to see her body, and attempting a video call where he gave graphic instructions.

Pleaded guilty to attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. Has six convictions for dissimilar offences and suffers from learning difficulties.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

George Renny

Causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment and made subject to a restraining order and sex offender notification requirement indefinitely

George Renny, 56, contacted a 16-year-old girl on an online chatroom, engaging in sexual conversations and exchanging explicit messages. He paid her £25 a week and additional amounts for sexual acts and images, totaling £180. They met in person in Cardiff, where he kissed and touched her inappropriately in public, then drove her to country lanes near Caerphilly for sexual intercourse in his car. He was confronted by witnesses and later found in possession of over 350 indecent images of children as young as seven, including category A, B, and C images, as well as extreme pornographic images. The offences occurred between 2017 and 2024.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child, three counts of making indecent images, one count of possessing extreme images, and two counts of taking indecent photographs. Judge Paul Hobson noted the defendant has an entrenched sexual interest in children and highlighted the severity of the images depicting child rape.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Michael Starmore

Burglary

September 17, 2025

Sentence: four years imprisonment

Michael Starmore, 41, committed multiple burglaries targeting vulnerable individuals, including a man with dementia and a terminally ill woman. On November 8, 2024, he stole a wallet and used the bank card for a £20 transaction. On February 12, 2025, he stole parcels containing children's books. On March 14, 2025, he broke into a home, stealing three diamond rings, a wedding ring, a Rolex watch, another watch, and a cheque book. On April 8, 2025, he broke into another home, leaving items scattered. On April 9, 2025, he burgled a terminally ill woman's home, taking a stuffed badger, a Kindle, and financial documents. He was also found in possession of amphetamine on April 10, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to burglary, fraud by false representation, and possession of amphetamine. He has 43 previous convictions for offences of dishonesty. Judge Vanessa Francis noted that he and his partner took more than belongings, including victims' memories.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Leighton Gronow

Assault

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

Leighton Gronow assaulted his partner multiple times at her home in Cardiff. In December 2023, he kicked her in the thigh during an argument, causing significant bruising. On May 18, 2024, he became aggressive when she planned to visit a friend, pulled her down on the bed, and strangled her, leaving bruises on her neck. On June 19, 2024, after she tried to end the relationship, he pulled clumps of her hair out, lifting her off the bed and pushing her against a wall, resulting in a bald patch on her scalp. The victim reported severe impacts on her mental health, including nightmares and fear for her safety.

Pleaded guilty to intentional suffocation and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Has 10 previous convictions including threats to kill. In mitigation, he has moved areas, supports four children, and has sporting achievements in rugby and boxing.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Stuart Davies

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment and 2 years and 6 months driving disqualification

Stuart Davies, 41, consumed a bottle of wine and drove while almost three times over the drink drive limit, colliding head-on with a car driven by Mia Thomas, 19, on the A467 in Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, on December 18, 2024. The collision left Ms Thomas with a broken nose, a fractured knee, a displaced fibula, a torn cruciate ligament, concussion, and injuries to her pelvis and leg. A large kitchen knife with a seven-inch blade was found in his car, which he claimed he intended to use on himself.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink driving. Had prior convictions for theft, public order offences, and drunk and disorderly behaviour. Judge commented that he was in no state to drive and that the consequences could have been worse.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Tasha Robinson

Burglary

September 17, 2025

Sentence: two years imprisonment suspended for two years

Tasha Robinson, 36, assisted in burglaries as Michael Starmore's partner. On February 12, 2025, she drove a white Audi to help steal three parcels containing children's books. She was found in possession of amphetamine on April 10, 2025, and items from burglaries were discovered in her vehicle.

Pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of amphetamine. She has previous convictions for drug driving and failing to surrender. She was ordered to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement for 15 days, a six-month curfew, and a trail monitor requirement.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Richard Jenkins

Handling stolen goods

September 16, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Richard Jenkins's DNA was found inside a stolen MG car that had been taken from a property in Barry on February 11. He was not responsible for the theft but had been inside the vehicle, and he has a history of similar offences including burglary and theft.

Pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods. Has a history of offences including burglary and theft. Suffered from PTSD and class A drug addiction; the judge offered condolences for the loss of his daughters.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Dean Eastwood

Arson with intent to endanger life

September 16, 2025

Sentence: Six years and seven months imprisonment

Dean Eastwood, 34, armed with a jerry can of petrol with a hose attached, travelled from Manchester to Trethomas in Caerphilly with Dean Reddington to firebomb a terraced house due to a drug dispute. On June 25, he approached the property wearing a balaclava, chased a female occupant who screamed for help, and assisted in smashing a window, pouring petrol inside, and igniting the fire, which caused the house to become uninhabitable and posed a significant risk to life.

Pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life. Has previous convictions for drugs offences, assault, and theft. Became involved to wipe out a large drug debt.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Dean Reddington

Arson with intent to endanger life

September 16, 2025

Sentence: Six years and seven months imprisonment

Dean Reddington, 40, armed with a jerry can of petrol with a hose attached, travelled from Manchester to Trethomas in Caerphilly with Dean Eastwood to firebomb a terraced house over a drug dispute. On June 25, he smashed a window of the victims' home, poured accelerants inside, and set the house ablaze, causing extensive smoke damage and rendering it uninhabitable. The act posed a high risk of serious harm to occupants and neighbouring properties.

Pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life. Has previous convictions for theft, damage, and attempted robbery. Involved to repay a drug debt, has PTSD, and reestablished contact with his mother and daughter.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

David Rhind

Engaging in sexual communications with a child

September 16, 2025

Sentence: Three-year community order with 160 hours unpaid work, 26 sessions of an accredited programme, and £150 court costs

David Rhind, 41, from Cardiff, believed he was communicating online with a 13-year-old girl named Maisie from Southampton via chatroom Chatiw and Snapchat. He asked about her clothing, requested photographs, sent images of himself progressing from clothed to naked, and discussed sexual activities including cuddling naked, lying on the sofa in underwear, having a shower together, and meeting at a hotel or his home. He was arrested on March 25 after providing his devices to police.

Pleaded guilty; of previous good character; mitigation included borderline intelligence and personal troubles such as job loss, relationship breakdown, and relocation; Judge Paul Hobson emphasised the need to protect children from sexual contact by adults.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Haydn Davies

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

September 15, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 21-day accredited programme, 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 9-month alcohol treatment requirement, and 2-year driving disqualification

Haydn Davies, 32, entered his ex-partner's home uninvited in Newport, grabbed her by the neck, pushed her against a wall, stamped on her phone, and punched her television. He sent abusive messages and made threats. He later engaged in a high-speed police chase, driving at 70mph, through red lights, and the wrong way around a roundabout in Cwmbran. The incidents occurred on July 9 and July 21, 2025, amid jealousy over a perceived other man.

Pleaded guilty to the offenses. Has 10 previous convictions, mostly from youth. Struggled with relationship breakdown, leading to alcohol and drug use. Judge described behaviour as outrageous and out of control.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Pauline Parnell

Causing death by careless driving

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for three years

Pauline Parnell was driving a Mini Cooper on Boxing Day, 2023, on the A48 at Marshfield between Newport and Cardiff, when she struck and killed Clive Rogers, a 51-year-old cyclist who was wearing an elf costume, Santa hat, and LED lights. She failed to brake or slow down, continued driving approximately 400 metres after the collision, and claimed her eyes were blinded by bright lights. A forensic collision investigation concluded the vehicle was travelling between 36mph and 45mph, and Mr. Rogers was clearly visible.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. No previous convictions. Expressed genuine remorse and has health issues.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Malakyi Thompson

Robbery

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Malakyi Thompson, 23, attacked Alex Lock as he walked home in Newport on May 10, confronting him aggressively, punching him in the face, and stealing his phone and bank card. The victim suffered facial injuries, including a cut, grazes, bruises, and two chipped teeth, and was treated at hospital. Thompson used the stolen bank card to withdraw £400 and made further unsuccessful transactions. He was later arrested at his home in Park Avenue, Rogerstone, where he assaulted police officers by punching one and kicking and spitting at another.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, fraud, and two counts of assaulting a police officer. Has 14 previous convictions for offences including battery and assault.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Delme Cheese

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Delme Cheese, 25, grabbed a woman by the throat and unleashed a torrent of punches and kicks to her face and body in Ebbw Vale in July, ripping her clothing and leaving her feeling violated. He continued to shout abuse and threatened others at the scene. The victim suffered a cut to her cheek, a swollen face, bruising to her back, and marks to her body. During his arrest, he assaulted a police officer by kicking them, causing injury.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker. Has 10 previous convictions for violent offences. In mitigation, the defendant has issues with alcohol.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Jonathan Walters

Possession with intent to supply a Class A drug

September 7, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

On May 27, 2025, Jonathan Walters and Paul Hughes were stopped by police in Bridgend while in a car driven by Walters. Hughes threw cling film wraps containing 84g of heroin out of the window, which were later recovered. The drugs had a street value of between £2,400 and £4,500. Messages on Hughes's mobile phone indicated both defendants' involvement in supplying heroin. Walters has a long history of heroin addiction and employment challenges due to injury.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. He has been a heroin addict for 15 years and previously worked as a mechanic but became unable to work due to an injury causing compression to his head, neck, and spine.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Paul Hughes

Possession with intent to supply a Class A drug

September 7, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

On May 27, 2025, Paul Hughes and Jonathan Walters were stopped by police in Bridgend while in a car driven by Walters. Hughes threw cling film wraps containing 84g of heroin out of the window, which were later recovered. The drugs had a street value of between £2,400 and £4,500. Messages on Hughes's mobile phone indicated both defendants' involvement in supplying heroin. Hughes has a history of heroin addiction and related issues.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. His life was wrecked by heroin addiction after starting at age 20, leading to debts and pressure to deal drugs. He has experienced personal tragedies, including the death of a child and the amputation of his leg due to drug use.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Rocco Malanti

Engaging in sexual activity with a child

September 5, 2025

Sentence: 12 years and 10 months imprisonment and a 2-year extended licence period

Rocco Malanti groomed and sexually abused two young girls under the age of 16 on multiple occasions. He gained their trust by providing alcohol, cigarettes, and transportation, then exploited them by performing oral sex, having vaginal sex, and masturbating in their presence. The abuse occurred over a period that came to light in 2022, with victims describing being manipulated, threatened, and left with lasting trauma.

Pleaded guilty to six counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. Of previous good character and has been diagnosed with diabetes. The judge commended the victims for their courage and noted that no sentence could undo the harm caused.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Corey Parker

Intentional strangulation

September 4, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment and a four-year restraining order

Corey Parker, 27, argued with his girlfriend at their home in Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd on February 6 about money. He strangled her for five to six seconds, leaving her unable to breathe, took her mobile phone threatening to sell it to prevent her from calling the police, pushed her onto a settee, and threw a table at a television set, causing it to smash. The victim escaped to a neighbour's house, and Parker was arrested shortly after at his mother's home. She later noticed bruising and reddening on her neck.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, theft, and criminal damage. Had 10 previous convictions for violent offences. Apologised in a letter to the court, citing personal hardships including losing his father young and struggling with schooling.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Malachi Lewis

Supply of Class A Drugs

August 29, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment and a £228 victim surcharge

Malachi Lewis was observed by plain-clothes police officers approaching a group in the Adamsdown area of Cardiff on an illegally modified electric bike while wearing a balaclava, offering drugs for supply. He attempted to flee but was detained, with officers finding £401.06 in cash and a Nokia burner phone containing messages indicating he had cocaine and heroin ready for distribution. This occurred in 2024 and 2025, and he has a history of similar offences.

Fell into the wrong crowd, could have been a professional footballer, has five previous convictions including drug and knife offences, became a father after arrest and has not met his child.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Nathan Howells

Intentional Strangulation

August 21, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment in a young offender institute, suspended for 2 years

On October 29, 2024, Nathan Howells, in a rage over his then-partner's refusal to buy vape liquid, strangled her for 30 seconds, causing her to feel lightheaded and fall to the floor. He then punched her in the head and ribs while she was defenceless, and kicked her belongings. The victim described their 14-month relationship as controlling, with Howells monitoring her phone and restricting social media use. She sustained bruising and red marks on her neck and has since struggled with sleep and fear of encountering him.

Admitted to intentional strangulation, assault and criminal damage. No previous convictions; showed some remorse. Ordered to complete a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 180 hours of unpaid work, pay £600 in compensation, £100 towards prosecution costs, and a restraining order for 5 years.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Cody Bond

Aggravated Burglary

August 21, 2025

Sentence: 40 months in a young offender institute

Cody Bond, along with two accomplices, broke into Tesco Extra in Merthyr Tydfil on May 28 at around 4am. They smashed through reinforced glass doors using bricks, wielded a machete, and wandered around the store, taking a small amount of food, drink, and other items. They attempted to access cupboards containing vapes, cigarettes, and phones but took nothing of significant value. An alarm was triggered, leading to their arrest after they hid behind wheelie bins.

Pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and possession of a knife in public. Judge described his actions as appalling and noted he had wasted opportunities to reform, treated his family appallingly, and was the eldest member of a gang. He has a history of offending since age 14, including prior convictions for ABH, knife possession, and burglaries.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Emma Hughes

Ill-treating or wilfully neglecting a patient in care

August 20, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and a £500 fine

Emma Hughes, a carer at a care home in Pengam, mistreated a vulnerable non-verbal man in his 20s with lifelong physical disabilities and Angelman Syndrome. Over several incidents in March 2022, she manhandled him into a shower chair, sprayed water in his face without checking the temperature, dragged him forcefully, ignored his protests, made cruel comments about his mother not being there to protect him, and struck him on the arm. This caused him distress and led to reports from colleagues.

Pleaded guilty to ill-treating or wilfully neglecting a patient. No previous convictions. Behaviour was out of character due to personal issues at home, including caring for a terminally-ill step-daughter. Judge noted it was cruel and continued despite challenges from colleagues.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Lefteh Nikwan

Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Supply

August 20, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Lefteh Nikwan, an asylum seeker, was stopped by police in Cathays, Cardiff, on March 12, 2025, while driving an uninsured car. Officers found a smell of cannabis and discovered three grip-seal bags of cocaine and four of cannabis in the vehicle. His phone showed he was following a mapped route with 20 stop-off points for delivering cocaine and cannabis deals, typically valued at £50 to £100 each. Messages and photos on the phone indicated he was directed by others and involved in supplying drugs, with images showing cash and his wife packaging cannabis at home. A search of his address found £130 in cash. He denied dealing initially but was accepted as a courier.

Pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. No previous convictions. Was acting as a courier under direction of others. Background includes fleeing Iran after anti-government protests and serving in the Iranian army.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Justin Saliba

Rape

August 18, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

In 2021, at his flat in Cardiff, Justin Saliba sexually assaulted and raped a woman who had fallen asleep after consuming alcohol, cannabis, and prescription medication. She woke to find him licking her genitals and bottom, then proceeded to rape her while calling her 'baby'. The attack ended when her phone rang, allowing her to flee and report the incident to family and police. Saliba denied the allegations, claiming the victim had dreamt the events.

Pleaded not guilty and went to trial. Judge described his behaviour as grotesque and noted he had done irreparable damage to the victim. He has eight previous convictions for non-sexual offences.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Graham Edwards

Criminal damage

August 18, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

Graham Edwards walked around Cwmbran town centre in the early hours of February 10, 2025, wearing a distinctive coat and smashing doors and windows of 43 businesses, including well-known chains like Costa Coffee, Greggs, and independent shops, causing more than £25,000 in damage. He was identified from CCTV footage, arrested on February 12, and initially denied responsibility, claiming he was on a spiritual journey. The court noted the act as mindless violence with no clear motivation, causing financial loss and community unease.

Pleaded guilty to criminal damage. Has nine previous convictions including battery, assaulting an emergency worker, and criminal damage. Diagnosed with characteristics of emotionally unstable personality disorder. Sentence reduced from 15 months to 9 months due to mental health issues, with further reduction for guilty plea.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

George Gleed

Attempting to meet a child under 16 following sexual grooming

August 5, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment (suspended for 21 months), 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, £1,000 costs, 10 years on sex offenders register, 5-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order

George Gleed, aged 78, communicated online with a decoy posing as a 14-year-old girl on a social media app. He sent explicit images of himself, expressed desires to kiss her and engage in sexual acts, and attempted to arrange a meeting at Cyfarthfa Shopping Park on June 8, 2022. He was confronted by vigilantes and has a history of previous convictions for similar offences.

Pleaded guilty. Suffers from asbestosis and other medical issues. Has 15 previous convictions, including indecent assault on a child under 14. Judge noted inordinate delay in the case.

Sources: devonlive.com

Lee Sandeman

Grooming and sexual exploitation of a child

August 3, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Lee Sandeman, 39, from Ebbw Vale, groomed a 15-year-old girl in Canada over Discord, coercing her into performing sexual acts on camera and recording them. Police seized his computer containing hundreds of indecent images of children, including images of the victim and extreme pornography depicting children as young as nine being raped.

Must register as a sex offender indefinitely; subject to a restraining order and sexual harm prevention order; will serve half in custody.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Natalie Arroyo

Grooming and sexual communication with a child

August 3, 2025

Sentence: Three years and four months imprisonment

Natalie Arroyo, 33, a supply teacher, groomed a 15-year-old vulnerable boy by sending naked pictures of herself via Snapchat and expressing desires to have sex with him. She sent videos of herself performing sex acts, asked for pictures of his penis, and promised to leave her husband for him. The abuse was disclosed by the victim to another adult, leading to her arrest.

Made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a restraining order indefinitely; claimed she thought the boy was 16.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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