Cardiff Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 136 verdicts at Cardiff Crown Court (Cardiff). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ergys Nika

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis

June 14, 2025

Sentence: 45 months imprisonment

Ergys Nika was observed entering a flat empty-handed and leaving with a large bag containing cannabis. He was found in possession of 29kg of cannabis, 197 grip seal bags of cocaine weighing 58.5g, and £37,500 in cash. Mobile phones seized from him contained messages related to drug supply.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, and possession of criminal property. Wished to return to Albania upon release. Albanian national with previous good character.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Jetmir Nika

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis

June 14, 2025

Sentence: 45 months imprisonment

Jetmir Nika was present in the flat during the police search and was found in possession of a disposable vape containing seven grip seal bags of cocaine. The flat search uncovered 29kg of cannabis, 197 grip seal bags of cocaine weighing 58.5g, £37,500 in cash, and three mobile phones with messages relating to drug supply.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, and possession of criminal property. Expressed a desire to turn away from a criminal lifestyle. Albanian national with previous good character.

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

Craig Peacock

Dangerous Driving

June 12, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for three years and seven months

Craig Peacock, 35, was driving a Peugeot 307 under the influence of drugs on April 11, when he was spotted speeding at 50mph in a 30mph zone in Cwmbran. He ignored police signals to stop and accelerated away, reaching speeds of up to 120mph on the A4042, overtaking vehicles dangerously. He lost control near the Crow's Nest pub, crashing into a lamppost at 80mph and narrowly missing pedestrians. He fled the scene but was detained, tested positive for cocaine and cannabis, and refused to provide a blood sample due to injuries.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drug driving, and failing to provide a specimen. Had numerous previous convictions for driving offences. Judge Rhys Rowlands noted that the defendant narrowly missed a group of pedestrians and that it could have resulted in a fatal or serious injury collision.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Karl Legg

Burglary

June 12, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Karl Legg, 39, targeted several convenience stores in Cardiff between May 5 and 10, 2025. He stole hundreds of pounds worth of alcohol by reaching behind counters, often with an associate distracting staff. Incidents included stealing £198 worth of alcohol from a Co-op in Pontcanna, £250 from another Co-op in Danescourt, £182 from a Premier Store in Canton where he pushed a shopkeeper to the floor leaving her crying, £97 worth of meat from a Spar store, and £320 worth of alcohol from a Tesco Express after breaking in, causing £2,950 in damage to glass.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary and one count of theft from a shop. Has over 100 prior offences, including 78 related to thefts. Mitigating factors include a traumatic childhood, placement in care at age 11, loss of his mother, diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and struggles with the absence of his wife and children.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Luke Mattan

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

June 9, 2025

Sentence: 15 years and eight months imprisonment

Luke Mattan, 36, of Cardiff, was involved in a conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was arrested in his pants. He benefited from £764,000 in illicit gains.

Sentenced for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and ordered to pay back a fraction of £764,000 in gains.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Thomas Pithers

Burglary

June 7, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Thomas Pithers, 31, broke into the home of a woman and her daughter in Butetown, Cardiff on May 5, while they were asleep. He entered through the patio and kitchen doors, stealing a mountain bike worth £400, two laptops, a handbag containing a Louis Vuitton purse worth £300, and headphones. The victims woke to find the doors open and felt deeply traumatised, with the woman reporting shattered sense of safety, increased anxiety, disrupted sleep due to her epilepsy, and fear for their lives. Pithers was identified through CCTV footage after a bank card was used, and a tracker on the headphones led police to his address in Adamsdown, where the stolen bike was found.

Pleaded guilty to burglary. Has 48 previous convictions. In mitigation, his significant drug addiction and traumatic childhood were mentioned, along with his history of depression, anxiety, and time spent in prison. Judge Lucy Crowther noted his lack of regard for the victims' safety and right to feel secure in their home.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Cody Price

Arranging the commission of a child sex offence

June 7, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment, plus restraining order, sex offender notification requirements for seven years, and disqualified from driving for 12 months

Cody Price, 19, contacted a 13-year-old girl via Snapchat and asked her to perform oral sex on him, despite knowing her age. He arranged to meet her, intending to take her to a secluded area, but fled when he noticed her friends hiding nearby. Additionally, he was involved in burglaries, including stealing a Toyota Yaris on August 10, 2024, which was later found damaged, and another burglary on November 10, 2024, where a Volkswagen Golf, a PlayStation 5, an Xbox, and samurai swords were taken. He was also caught on CCTV smashing a window at his home while in possession of a machete.

Found guilty of arranging the commission of a child sex offence after a trial; pleaded guilty to theft, burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence or insurance, allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle, using threatening words or behaviour, and possession of a bladed article. Mitigation noted he was immature and easily led, and he has been offered a job in roofing upon release.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Clayton Kennedy

Sexual abuse of a child

June 5, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 9 months imprisonment

Clayton Kennedy sexually abused a teenage girl by exposing himself to her and masturbating in her presence until he ejaculated. He pressured her incessantly through messages to perform oral sex on him, attempted to place her hand on his penis, and sent her lurid images of himself. He also tried to bribe her by offering to buy her a new mobile phone and give her money. The abuse occurred over a period, leaving the victim feeling anxious, causing her to stop attending school, lose friends, and require counselling and antidepressants.

Pleaded not guilty but found guilty by jury. No remorse shown. Spent 75 days on remand and was working in prison. Described as a family man who had been employed and supported his ill mother.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Nathaniel Cummings

Dangerous Driving, Possession with Intent to Supply Cocaine, and Possessing Criminal Property

June 5, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment and a 1-year driving ban

On June 12, 2024, in Barry, Nathaniel Cummings was stopped by police for a routine check while driving a BMW 1-series. He deliberately drove the car at officers, narrowly avoiding them, and fled the scene. Following a short pursuit, he stopped in Churchfields, where he and two passengers fled and tried to hide in a nearby hedge. With the assistance of a police helicopter and dog units, all three were located and arrested. A search of the car uncovered over £1,600 in cash stored in the central armrest and 24 sealed bags of cocaine.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. DC Pughsley commented that Cummings showed complete disregard for the safety of other road users and officers, and hoped the sentence sends a strong message against such behaviour.

Sources: southwalesargus.co.uk

Lucy Langmead

Misconduct in public office

June 3, 2025

Sentence: Two years and 11 months imprisonment

Lucy Langmead, employed as a police administrator by South Wales Police, accessed sensitive data on the police national computer without authorisation and passed it to her boyfriend Daniel Cozens, a drug dealer, as well as using it for her own morbid curiosity. This included searches on individuals linked to Cozens, such as his associates and family members, and information related to a murder investigation of five-year-old Logan Mwangi in August 2021. She also accessed data on personal acquaintances and conducted searches outside her duties, leading to her arrest in November 2021 after an investigation revealed her actions.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office, 13 counts of securing unauthorised access to computer material, and five counts of unlawful disclosure of personal data. The judge noted it was a gross breach of trust, with no financial benefit but some elevation of status, and that she had done serious harm to policing and the public interest. She was of previous good character and is a single mother of three children.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Kyle Enos

Supplying a regulated substance

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Kyle Enos bought a banned industrial chemical, 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP), on the dark web from labs in China and mixed it with other substances to produce illegal and dangerous 'diet pills' in his bedroom in Maesteg. He sold these pills online to customers in the UK and internationally, including Hawaii and Australia, disguising them as vitamins and minerals, and accepted payments including cryptocurrency. Police from Tarian raided his house and found two kilograms of the chemical, a pill press, and packaging materials. This operation occurred shortly after his release from prison for a previous offence.

Pleaded guilty to importing, acquiring or using a regulated substance without licence; supplying a regulated substance to the public without a licence; supplying a regulated poison by a person other than a pharmacist; and five counts of failing to comply with a serious crime prevention order. A discount was applied for his guilty pleas. He had previously served an eight-year sentence for supplying fentanyl.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Scarlett Lee

Possession of a prohibited image of a child

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Scarlett Lee was found in possession of a folder containing 80 animated images depicting adults engaging in sexual activity with children, which breached her existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This occurred on May 11 last year while she was living in support accommodation, where a support worker discovered a sexual message on her phone, leading to the revelation of the images on her computer. She also breached the order by using a different name to access a YouTube account on March 12 this year. Previously, she had been convicted in February last year for possessing prohibited images and was subject to a community order, sex offender notification requirements, and the SHPO.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited image of a child and breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Has three previous convictions for breaching a SHPO and was previously subject to an eight-month suspended prison sentence. Judge noted a persistent interest in child abuse images, no regard for court orders, and little prospect of rehabilitation. Mitigation included mental health issues, autism, bipolar disorder, and family isolation following transition.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Daniel Cozens

Conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office

June 3, 2025

Sentence: One year and eight months imprisonment

Daniel Cozens, a convicted drug dealer, received confidential police information from his girlfriend Lucy Langmead, which he passed on to his drug associates to assist in their criminal activities and avoid detection. This included data on individuals like Corey McDonald and Dean Colin Richards. He was also involved in supplying benzodiazepines and pregabalin in exchange for cannabis between 2020 and 2022, with 2.1g of cannabis found during a search of his property.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office, two counts of being concerned in the supply of class C drugs, and possession of class B drugs. He had nine previous convictions for offences including dishonesty, driving matters, and possession with intent to supply cannabis. His defence noted he benefited little from the offending other than enhancing his status in the drug trade and that he was engaging with mental health services and tackling his drug addiction.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Stephen Davies

Intentional Strangulation

June 2, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Stephen Davies, 38, was involved in an altercation with a neighbour near his home in Tonypandy. During the arrest, he became verbally aggressive towards PC Joseph Morgan after being mistakenly called 'David' instead of his real name. He pushed officers, obstructed the arrest, grabbed the officer's arm, and then strangled PC Joseph Morgan by putting his left hand around the officer's neck, causing the officer to lose breath for a few seconds. The incident was captured on police bodycam footage. Davies continued to struggle, was punched by an officer to release his grip, taken to the ground, handcuffed, and arrested. He later made threats against officers in custody.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Had eight previous convictions, including assaulting emergency workers and a section 20 wounding offence, for which he received a suspended sentence that he is now in breach of. The sentence is to be served alongside his current suspended sentence.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Tommy-Lee Carson

Supply of Cocaine and Cannabis

May 24, 2025

Sentence: 45 months imprisonment

Tommy-Lee Carson was involved in an active drug dealing operation advertising cocaine and cannabis for sale. An investigation by Cardiff's organised crime team led to a raid on his home in Barry in February 2025, where drugs with a street value of more than £7,000 and an illegal 'zombie knife' were discovered.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply, and possession of an offensive weapon. With discounts for his guilty pleas, he was sentenced to 45 months in prison and will serve up to half that sentence in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Soraya Somersall

Assisting an offender

May 23, 2025

Sentence: Two years and six months imprisonment

Soraya Somersall, 44, drove her car to the scene in Ely, Cardiff, on April 7, 2024, knowing her son James O'Driscoll and Corey Gauci were armed with knives. After the murder, she transported them away from the area and assisted in their escape, allowing them to change clothes and flee Wales, evading capture for three weeks.

Found guilty of assisting an offender; drove Corey Gauci and James O'Driscoll away from the scene and helped them evade arrest for three weeks.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Rebecca Ross

Assisting an offender

May 23, 2025

Sentence: Two years imprisonment

Rebecca Ross, 44, was present at the scene in Ely, Cardiff, on April 7, 2024, and took a bladed article from the assailants. She worked with Noreen O'Driscoll to dispose of weapons and evidence, including hiding knives in drains and hedges, shortly after the stabbing of Colin Richards.

Found guilty of assisting an offender and having an article with a blade or point; took possession of a bladed article at the scene and helped dispose of evidence.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

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