Cardiff Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Noreen O'driscoll

Assisting an offender

May 23, 2025

Sentence: Three years imprisonment

Noreen O'Driscoll, 29, initiated the conflict by sending threatening messages and travelling to the scene in Ely, Cardiff, on April 7, 2024, due to jealousy over her ex-partner's new relationship. After the stabbing, she assisted in disposing of knives and other evidence, including hiding them in drains and hedges, to help Corey Gauci evade arrest.

Found guilty of assisting an offender; involved in disposing of weapons and evidence after the murder, knowing it might incriminate Corey Gauci.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Megan Hendy

Engaging in sexual activity with a mentally disordered person while being a care worker

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 10-month suspended prison sentence, 30 rehabilitation days, 100 hours of unpaid work, placed on sex offenders' register for 10 years, and a statutory victim surcharge

Megan Hendy, a 28-year-old care worker from Ebbw Vale, formed an inappropriate sexual relationship with a male patient seeking mental health treatment. They exchanged nearly 2,000 text messages, and pictures and videos showed them kissing and engaging in sexual intercourse. This occurred while the patient was on leave from the hospital. Despite receiving warnings about professional boundaries, completing training, and being moved to another ward, the relationship continued. Concerns were raised after they became friends on social media.

Pleaded guilty to the offense. No previous convictions, genuine remorse expressed, and she is the sole carer for her grandfather with cancer.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Christian Morgan

Having an article with a blade or point

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years

Christian Morgan, 36, was involved in an argument with his ex-partner Noreen O'Driscoll and possessed a knife on April 7, 2024, in Ely, Cardiff. He called Colin Richards for support, leading to the violent confrontation where Richards was fatally stabbed. Morgan chased and was chased by others, and later disposed of his knife.

Found guilty of having an article with a blade or point; jury could not reach a verdict on violent disorder; subject to rehabilitation activity requirement of 20 days and 80 hours unpaid work.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Conor Holt

Possess with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - Cocaine

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 3 months imprisonment

Conor Holt was involved in drug trafficking, as evidenced by a search of his home in January 2025, which uncovered nearly £7,000 in cash, illegal drugs including cocaine, cannabis, and dried mushrooms, as well as paraphernalia for drug distribution. Additionally, £250 was found in his vehicle. The investigation began after the arrests of two other individuals.

Sentenced for multiple offences including possession with intent to supply. Detective Inspector Ian Jones commented on the organised nature of drug supply operations.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Corey Gauci

Murder

May 23, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years

Corey Gauci, 19, stabbed Colin Richards in the thigh during an argument between former couple Noreen O'Driscoll and Christian Morgan, causing fatal damage to the femoral artery and vein. The incident occurred just after 11pm on April 7, 2024, in Ely, Cardiff, involving groups armed with knives. Gauci was part of a group that travelled to the scene, and he left Richards to bleed to death without seeking help. He evaded arrest for three weeks before being apprehended.

Found guilty of murder and violent disorder; pleaded not guilty but was convicted; judge noted the attack was gratuitous and rejected self-defence claim.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

James O'driscoll

Violent disorder and possession of a bladed article

May 23, 2025

Sentence: Four years imprisonment with an extended licence period of one year

James O'Driscoll, 27, was armed with a knife and a balaclava when he arrived at the scene in Ely, Cardiff, on April 7, 2024. He chased Christian Morgan with a machete, shouting threats, and was involved in the violent disorder that escalated from an argument between his sister Noreen O'Driscoll and Morgan. He later evaded arrest and disposed of his clothing to avoid forensic evidence.

Found guilty of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article; was armed with a knife and wore a balaclava; involved in chasing victims and disposing of evidence.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Joseph Tucker

Possession with intent to supply class B drugs

May 19, 2025

Sentence: 22 months detention in a young offenders' institute

Joseph Tucker, 19, was raided by police at his home in Newport on September 20, 2024, where officers found 1.2kg of amphetamine with a street value between £6,000 and £12,000, 27g of cannabis, £2,000 in cash, a small amount of cocaine for personal use, and a fake Rolex watch. The cash was discovered after he threw it over a wall. He benefited from the drug enterprise by £16,000 but only had assets worth £7,950.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class B drugs, possession of class B drugs, and possession of criminal property. Had one previous conviction for possession with intent to supply amphetamine. Ordered to pay back £8,000 under Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) within 28 days, or face an additional four months imprisonment.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Dale Groves

Causing death by careless driving

May 16, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years, 250 hours unpaid work, and disqualified from driving for five years

Dale Groves was driving a white Ford Ka and attempted to overtake a convoy of vehicles on Fochriw Road in Merthyr Tydfil. Travelling at an estimated speed of 46 to 50 mph in a 60 mph zone, he collided with Gareth Davies' black Renault Clio as Davies slowed to turn right into the Biffa Waste Management site on April 13, 2023. The crash caused Davies' death, and Groves called emergency services multiple times afterward.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving. The defendant feels awful about the incident and has two children. Judge Daniel Williams noted the profound impact on the victim's family and community.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Said Hassan

Burglary

May 15, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Said Hassan, 39, broke into a house on Pontcanna Street, Cardiff, on February 7, 2025, along with an accomplice. They forced their way through the front door and stole alcohol from the kitchen cupboards. The homeowners caught them in the act and ordered them to leave. Hassan fled but returned shortly after to request personal items he had left behind, only to be refused as the police had been called. He was identified using retrospective facial recognition technology from CCTV footage.

Richard Nodwell

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

April 1, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 4 months imprisonment

On December 20, 2023, Richard Nodwell launched a vicious and persistent attack on PC Nathan Attwell in Cwmbran after the officer responded to a 999 call from Nodwell's daughter. Nodwell was confrontational and aggressive, punching the officer multiple times in the face, pushing him to the ground, and kicking him in the head, resulting in fractures to the cheekbone, eye socket, and nose, as well as lacerations requiring stitches. He continued to assault other officers by spitting and biting during his arrest, requiring several officers to subdue him.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of assault of an emergency worker. Extended sentence with a further 3 years on licence. Had previous convictions for assaulting police officers.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Layton Preece

Possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply

February 20, 2025

Sentence: 42 months imprisonment

Layton Preece, 51, with no fixed residence, was found in a one-bedroom flat in Grangetown, Cardiff, surrounded by drugs and paraphernalia during a police raid in September 2024. The flat was suspected to be a crack den, and police seized over £4,000 worth of class A drugs, including cocaine and crack cocaine. A drug user attempted to enter the flat but fled upon seeing officers.

Pleaded guilty to possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply and being caught in possession of crack cocaine. Benefited £6,101 from offending but only has assets worth £100; ordered to pay £100 within 28 days or serve seven days imprisonment in default.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Dylan Young

Possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply

February 20, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 21 months

Dylan Young, 21, was found in a one-bedroom flat in Grangetown, Cardiff, surrounded by drugs and paraphernalia during a police raid in September 2024. The flat was suspected to be a crack den, and police seized over £4,000 worth of class A drugs, including cocaine and crack cocaine. A drug user attempted to enter the flat but fled upon seeing officers.

Pleaded guilty to possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply. Benefited £72,668 from offending but only has assets worth £546; ordered to pay £546 within 28 days or serve seven days imprisonment in default.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Dylan Thomas

Murder

January 24, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 19 years

Dylan Thomas, the grandson of pie company tycoon Sir Stanley Thomas, murdered his childhood friend William Bush by stabbing him 37 times, including to the neck, chest, head, and back, at their home in Llandaff, Cardiff on December 24, 2023. Thomas had searched online for the anatomy of the neck prior to the attack and was staying at his grandmother's house the night before. He returned to the house under the pretext of walking his dog, then attacked Bush, leading to screams heard from outside. Thomas had a prior arrest for breaking into Buckingham Palace.

Defence argued no significant planning or premeditation; defendant was suffering from schizophrenia and appeared via video link from Ashworth Hospital; judge noted his culpability was lowered but not enough for diminished responsibility defence.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Charlotte Symons

Causing death by dangerous driving

December 28, 2024

Sentence: 4 years and 8 months imprisonment

Charlotte Symons drove her Nissan Navara and turned sharply at a mini roundabout in Markham near Blackwood on December 9, 2022, striking and killing 82-year-old Sandra Chamberlain, a well-known community member, as she crossed the road. Chamberlain suffered catastrophic brain injuries and died on December 17, 2022.

Cut the corner at a mini roundabout, striking a pedestrian. She was disqualified from driving for 7 years and expressed complacency as a factor.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Mandy Pope

Causing death by dangerous driving

December 28, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Mandy Pope, 55, was driving her Vauxhall Astra on the A4226 in Barry on November 23, 2021, when she overtook a HGV in the oncoming lane, colliding head-on with 21-year-old motorcyclist Jordan Talbot, who suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene.

Overtaking a HGV in the oncoming lane, causing a head-on collision. She was disqualified from driving for 5 years and 8 months.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

May Mustey

Causing death by dangerous driving

December 28, 2024

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months

May Mustey, 45, drove her Toyota Yaris in the Waitrose car park in Monmouth on New Year's Eve 2022 with steamed-up windows, failing to see 75-year-old Gwendoline Owen walking across. She struck Owen, who suffered a fractured skull and never regained consciousness, leading to her death.

Failed to clear misty windows, knocking over a pedestrian in a car park. She was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and disqualified from driving for 5 years.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Lewis Edwards

Perverting the course of justice and possession of indecent images

December 17, 2024

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment for possession of indecent images and 12 months for perverting the course of justice, to be served concurrently

Lewis Edwards, a former police officer with South Wales Police, used Snapchat to groom more than 200 girls online, posing as a teenage boy to target girls aged 10 to 16. He admitted to 160 counts of child sexual abuse and blackmail involving 4,500 indecent images. He was charged with perverting the course of justice for concealing evidence, including burying a phone in his cat's grave.

Admitted to offences; sentenced concurrently with prior life sentence for child sexual abuse. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke emphasised deterrence and punishment.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Rebekah Edwards

Perverting the course of justice

December 17, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Rebekah Edwards, mother of Lewis Edwards, was involved in perverting the course of justice by concealing evidence from the police, including burying a phone in their cat's grave, in an effort to hide further evidence related to her son's child sexual abuse case.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke stated the offence was too serious for anything other than an immediate custodial sentence, highlighting purposes of deterrence and punishment.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Lewis Morgan

Drug Offences

December 4, 2024

Sentence: 1 year and 4 months imprisonment

Lewis Morgan was sentenced for drug offences. The text does not provide specific details about the crimes, such as when or how they occurred, but he was originally sentenced on 4 December 2024.

Breach of licence conditions leading to recall to prison. He was released on 19 March 2025 and had links to Merthyr Tydfil.

Sources: southwalesargus.co.uk

Denis Coles

Rape

September 12, 2024

Sentence: Two years supervision order and registration on the sex offenders register

In 1977, Denis Coles, then aged 26, raped an 11-year-old girl who was walking home alone from Girl Guides in Cardiff. He approached her, initially asking for the time, before dragging her away and committing the rape. The crime remained unsolved for decades until a 2019 cold case review used DNA evidence from samples taken at the time, matching Coles with a probability of at least one billion. The victim suffered long-term trauma, as detailed in her impact statement, affecting her mental health and childhood.

Deemed mentally unfit for trial; jury found he committed the act in a trial of the facts; judge noted he would have received a substantial custodial sentence if fit to plead; had cautions for burglary in 2008 and theft in 2012.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Paul Atkinson

Fraud

September 1, 2024

Sentence: 43 months imprisonment

Paul Atkinson, operating through companies like Protecta Home Improvements and MET Construction Ltd, deceived customers by promising building work such as extensions and orangeries, but failed to complete it after receiving deposits totalling £147,500 between September 1, 2019, and July 30, 2022. He used fabricated website content, made excuses for delays, performed substandard work, ignored refund requests, and issued subtle threats to customers who posted negative reviews. Victims suffered financial hardship, emotional distress, and in some cases, considered suicide; one victim had to carry a disabled child over a dug trench in their garden.

Pleaded guilty to eight counts of being a trader knowingly or recklessly engaging in a commercial practice, 24 counts of dishonestly making false representation to make gain for himself or another or causing loss to another or exposing another to risk, and one count of carrying on a business of company with intent to defraud creditors or for other fraudulent purpose. Additionally, ordered to pay back £71,000 under Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Zackary Williams

Dangerous Driving

August 22, 2024

Sentence: 1 year and 2 months imprisonment

On August 1, 2024, Zackary Williams was reported for driving while intoxicated in Bridgend. He was spotted by police on Cowbridge Road and initiated a dangerous pursuit, reaching speeds of 70mph in a 40mph zone, ignoring red lights, overtaking into oncoming traffic, and attempting to reverse-ram a police car. He struck one vehicle and tried to force another onto the pavement and into a wall. The vehicle had false number plates, and he was subsequently arrested.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving while disqualified, driving without a licence, and assaulting an emergency worker. A police officer noted that Williams showed complete disregard for others and caused significant damage to police vehicles.

Sources: southwalesargus.co.uk

Egle Zilinskaite

Concealment of birth

July 10, 2024

Sentence: suspended sentence

Egle Zilinskaite hid the bodies of two full-term babies inside her home in Bridgend after she delivered them alone and without medical support.

Hid the bodies of two full-term babies inside her home in Bridgend after delivering them alone and without medical support.

Sources: itv.com

Sian Price

Drink-driving

July 8, 2024

Sentence: £120 fine, £85 costs, £48 surcharge, and banned from driving for three years

Sian Price was caught drink-driving a Vauxhall Corsa on the A4106 at Bridgend on June 21, recording 70 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is twice the legal limit.

Chad Robinson-Bishop

Speeding

July 7, 2024

Sentence: £100 fine, £40 surcharge, and 3 points on driving licence

Chad Robinson-Bishop was driving a Volkswagen Golf at 39mph on the 30mph Newport Road at Rumney Hill on October 21, 2023.

Daniel Symmons

Dangerous Driving

July 4, 2024

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment and a 23-month driving ban

Daniel Symmons engaged in a high-speed chase in Llantrisant and Tonyrefail on 28 April, where he threw a can of cider, a spanner, and a bottle of unknown liquid at a police car, pushed a fridge from his van towards the vehicle, and reverse-rammed the police car, injuring an officer. He abandoned the van and attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended with public assistance.

Bardhok Bardhoj

Supply of cannabis

June 17, 2024

Sentence: 19 years imprisonment

Bardhok Bardhoj, 52, from Cilcennin, Ceredigion, was a key figure in an organised crime group supplying cocaine and cannabis in south Wales. He managed the cannabis production at a farm in Lampeter, which had a potential street value of over £500,000, and participated in exchanges of drugs and cash with other members during Operation Bluebell.

Responsible for the maintenance and 'gardening' of cannabis plants at the Lampeter farm, and involved in meetings for exchanging bags and packages.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Abdi Lekaj

Possession and supply of cocaine

June 17, 2024

Sentence: 14 years and four months imprisonment

Abdi Lekaj, 63, from Roath, Cardiff, was involved in an organised crime group's drug supply network, travelling to London to collect 2 kilograms of cocaine from Mirsad Nerguti. He was arrested en route back to south Wales, with forensic evidence linking the seizure to the group's operations during Operation Bluebell.

Travelled from Cardiff to London to meet Mirsad Nerguti and was arrested while returning to south Wales with 2 kilograms of cocaine.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Elon Joseph

Supply of cocaine and cannabis

June 17, 2024

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Elon Joseph, 35, from Waunarlwydd, Swansea, assisted Gregory Hardy in the organised crime group's operations, which involved supplying cocaine and cannabis across south Wales. He was seen at the business unit in Gorseinon and met with associates to facilitate drug distribution, as part of Operation Bluebell that uncovered large quantities of drugs and cash.

Worked for Gregory Hardy, frequently visiting the business unit in Gorseinon and meeting with other members of the group in Swansea and Cardiff.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Fation Bardhaj

Supply of cocaine

June 17, 2024

Sentence: 13 years and six months imprisonment

Fation Bardhaj, 40, from Penylan, Cardiff, worked with others to supply cocaine across south Wales as part of an organised crime group. The group was involved in distributing large quantities of cocaine and cannabis, with police seizing 7kg of cocaine and 18kg of cannabis during Operation Bluebell. He was part of the network that operated in Cardiff, Swansea, Port Talbot, and included a cannabis farm in Lampeter valued at over £500,000.

Facilitated the supply of cocaine in Cardiff with customer bases in Swansea and Port Talbot areas.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

David Price

Supply of cocaine and cannabis

June 17, 2024

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

David Price, 51, from Kenfig Hill, Bridgend, acted as a courier for an organised crime group distributing cocaine and cannabis across south Wales, including meetings in Port Talbot and Pyle for exchanging bags and packages. The group was uncovered during Operation Bluebell, with police seizing significant quantities of drugs and cash.

Worked as a courier for the group in Port Talbot and Pyle areas; benefited £30,000 from offending and ordered to pay back £87,340 under Proceeds of Crime Act or face additional nine months imprisonment.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Gregory Hardy

Supply of cocaine and cannabis

June 17, 2024

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Gregory Hardy, 35, from Waunarlwydd, Swansea, led an organised crime group that distributed cocaine and cannabis across south Wales, including Cardiff, Swansea, and Port Talbot. He had access to a business unit in Gorseinon where drug paraphernalia, including a hydraulic press and empty cocaine wrappings, were seized. The group also set up a cannabis farm in Lampeter with a street value over £500,000.

Headed the Swansea-based organised crime group; benefited £445,564 from offending and ordered to pay back £188,730 under Proceeds of Crime Act or face additional two years and six months imprisonment.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Klodian Zefi

Supply of cocaine

June 17, 2024

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Klodian Zefi, 36, from Roath, Cardiff, was involved in an organised crime group that supplied large quantities of cocaine and cannabis across south Wales. Police investigations revealed the group possessed almost £600,000 worth of cocaine and £175,000 worth of cannabis, along with cash and drug paraphernalia during Operation Bluebell.

Worked with others in Cardiff to facilitate the supply of cocaine, with customer bases including Swansea and Port Talbot.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Christopher Heaney

Conspiracy to supply heroin

February 6, 2024

Sentence: 9 years and 5 months imprisonment

Christopher Heaney was a member of an organised crime gang involved in a £7m heroin conspiracy. The gang, based in Liverpool, supplied heroin across the UK. Heaney distributed the drugs and was part of the group brought down after the arrest of Steven Creasey in Scotland on May 12, 2022. Raids in 2022 uncovered heroin, cocaine, adulterants, opium, cannabis, and other items at properties in Cardiff, Liverpool, Scotland, and Northumberland.

Ordered to pay £42,229 under Proceeds of Crime Act within three months or face an additional 18 months imprisonment. He benefited £125,876 from the offending.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Toby Chadwick

Supply of cocaine

February 1, 2024

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

Toby Chadwick was caught with £1,800 in cash, cocaine worth £560, and a mobile phone with references to drug supply while driving in Newport on July 30, 2022. He was also found slumped over the wheel of a car with 10 grams of cocaine between December 8 and 9, 2023. Police stopped his vehicle due to suspicions of drug involvement, and he had prior convictions for trafficking class A drugs.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Has ADHD and OCD, and struggled with custody. The sentence was an extra 10 months added to a previous 30-month sentence.

Sources: southwalesargus.co.uk

Api Ratuniyarawa

Sexual Assault

January 9, 2024

Sentence: 2 years and 10 months imprisonment

Api Ratuniyarawa, a 37-year-old Fiji international rugby player, sexually assaulted three teenagers in the VIP area of the Revolution bar in Cardiff on three consecutive nights while intoxicated. The incidents occurred in the week leading up to a rugby match where he was scheduled to play for the Barbarians against Wales on November 4, 2023. He stopped the assaults only because others intervened, and the victims suffered physical and psychological harm.

Pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by penetration and one charge of sexual assault. Was under the influence of alcohol during the offences. No previous convictions. Placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and given a three-year restraining order. Expressed genuine remorse and shame.

Sources: standard.co.uk

No sentences found matching your search.