Swansea Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 329 verdicts at Swansea Crown Court (Swansea). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Mathew George Jones

Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm

June 29, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

On May 2, 2024, Mathew George Jones assaulted his 62-year-old neighbour in Penydre Road, Clydach, after involving himself in a dispute that was not his concern. He shouted abuse, grabbed the victim by the throat, took him to the ground, and repeatedly punched him in the head with considerable force, causing a broken nose, fractured eye socket, and a seven-centimetre gash on the forehead that required 17 stitches. The victim, who had undergone heart surgery months earlier, was left bleeding heavily, and neighbours failed to assist. Jones later gave a false account to police and the victim suffered ongoing anxiety, vision issues, and had to relocate from his home of 32 years.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. Shown no remorse. Has prior convictions including assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Is a full-time carer for his son, and the judge noted a long-term dislike for the victim.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Allan Lapping

Possession with intent to supply

June 29, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Allan Lapping, a 47-year-old former taxi driver, pulled up in a Nissan Juke in the Waun Wen area of Swansea on April 29, 2025. Undercover officers, monitoring an area known for Class A drug supply, observed a group on the street and saw Lapping arrive. Upon searching him, police found more than 80 wraps of heroin and cocaine hidden in his pants, along with two heroin deals and two crack deals in his hand, £1,147 in cash in his shoulder bag, and additional wraps in a bag on the seat. Lapping had turned to drug dealing due to financial difficulties after losing his taxi licence and job at an Amazon warehouse, but he now regrets his actions.

Pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, receiving a one-third discount on his sentence. He has two previous convictions from 1996 and 1997 for unrelated offences. His barrister noted that he now works as a barista in prison and is motivated to be a good role model for his two children. Judge Geraint Walters highlighted that Lapping was caught with significant quantities of Class A drugs and knew the risks involved.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Aleksander Cela

Producing cannabis

June 29, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Aleksander Cela was found in a disused restaurant in Swansea that had been converted into a commercial-scale cannabis farm with 903 plants worth up to £395,000. He had paid people smugglers to enter the UK illegally and was in debt to them. He was living in the premises and tending the plants, which included watering them, prior to a police raid on May 8, 2025. The operation involved sophisticated growing equipment across multiple floors.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. No previous convictions. Was a painter and decorator in Albania and owed money to people smugglers. Had been tending the cannabis plants for about two months and expressed regret for his involvement.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Dennis Horeshka

Producing cannabis

June 29, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Dennis Horeshka was found in a disused restaurant in Swansea that had been turned into a cannabis farm with 903 plants valued at up to £395,000. He had paid smugglers to enter the UK and was working to repay his debt by tending the plants. The police raid occurred on May 8, 2025, and the operation included growing equipment across the premises, with a hole knocked through to a neighbouring property.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. No previous convictions. Entered the UK illegally with help from people traffickers and owed them money. Any earnings not paid to the gang were sent to his family in Albania. Expressed remorse for his involvement.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Lee Lock

Dangerous Driving

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment and a 3-year driving ban

On January 20, 2025, Lee Lock drove a VW Golf erratically, swerving across the road, clipping a kerb, and remaining stationary at green lights. He was seen staggering at a garage forecourt. Later, he lost control on a roundabout, causing a head-on crash into a van, which left the other driver trapped and injured. Additionally, a bladed article was found in his vehicle during a prior investigation in June 2024.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. Judge noted the defendant had a disregard for the safety of other road users and was clearly affected by alcohol.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Joshua Jenkins

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

June 18, 2025

Sentence: Two years and six months in prison

Joshua Jenkins was involved in dealing cocaine and cannabis, targeting a busy nightclub on New Year's Eve, January 1, 2023, in Queen Street, Carmarthen. He was caught on CCTV exchanging packages and cash, leading to his arrest with four cocaine deals and £400 in cash. A search of his home revealed three phones, weighing scales, cannabis, cocaine, and a cutting agent. His phones showed messages related to drug dealing dating back to September 2022, including bulk messages and threats from a drug gang that compelled him to sell drugs due to debts.

Pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He has seven previous convictions, including possession of cannabis, possession of a bladed article, and committing offences while on bail. The judge noted aggravating factors such as continuing to offend after arrest.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Alex John

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

June 18, 2025

Sentence: Two years and five months in prison

Alex John was caught dealing cocaine and cannabis in a nightclub on New Year's Eve, January 1, 2023, in Queen Street, Carmarthen, after CCTV operators reported suspicious exchanges. He was found with six cocaine deals, two bags of cannabis, and £400 in cash. A search of his home uncovered weighing scales, five phones, and empty snap-bags. His phones revealed messages about drug supplying dating back to July 2022, including contacts with his co-defendant and references to re-stocking drugs. Additionally, he engaged in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his partner while on bail for the drug offences.

Pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis, as well as an unrelated offence of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour. He has two previous convictions for six offences. The judge considered his youth and immaturity, but noted he continued to offend while on bail.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Samie Jay Ireland

Burglary

June 18, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Samie Ireland attended a woman's home in Margam in an intoxicated state in February 2025 and was asked to leave. The following day, he called her 103 times after being blocked. On March 5, 2025, he smashed a living room window, climbed into her house, threatened to batter her, and drove off in her car. He returned the keys on condition she not contact the police, but she did. Upon arrest, he assaulted officers by kicking, biting, spitting, and making threats, including that he knew where they lived.

Pleaded guilty to burglary, driving while disqualified, and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. Judge noted his pattern of pursuing women and inability to take no for an answer, with prior convictions for similar offences.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Daniel James Thyer

Sexual activity with a child and exposure

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment, 10-year sexual harm prevention order, and registration as a sex offender for 10 years

On February 26, 2025, Daniel Thyer was seen sitting on a grass bank near a children's play area in Morriston Park with his trousers around his ankles, masturbating while holding his mobile phone. He had been grooming a young boy by giving him vapes, money, and energy drinks, and had engaged in physical acts including putting his hands down the boy's trousers, pushing his erect penis into the boy from behind over his clothes, and touching the boy's bottom. There were no children in the play area at the time, but two teenage boys were nearby.

Pleaded guilty to exposure and sexual activity with a child. Judge noted clear evidence of grooming behaviour and described the actions as predatory sexual behaviour. Defendant has no previous convictions and has learning difficulties.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Dean Snooks

Affray

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 12-month suspended sentence for 18 months, rehabilitation course, mental health treatment requirement, and 200 hours of unpaid work

On 1 May 2023, during a Fleetwood Mac tribute performance at Swansea's Grand Theatre, Dean Snooks engaged in a verbal altercation with two brothers over disruptive behaviour, which escalated into a physical fight involving kicks and shoving a security guard. Police were called, and he was apprehended; victim impact statements highlighted anxiety and fear in the victims.

Did not plead guilty; has prior convictions of some age; acted as a peacemaker initially but his role changed; hard-working individual who may lose his security licence.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Jackie Snooks

Affray

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 8-month suspended sentence for 18 months, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement

On 1 May 2023, at Swansea's Grand Theatre during a Fleetwood Mac tribute event, Jackie Snooks participated in a verbal dispute over disruptive behaviour that turned violent, involving a brawl with kicks despite attempts by theatre staff to intervene. Police were summoned, and victim statements noted the incident caused anxiety and fear.

Pleaded guilty; has one prior conviction for drink-driving; described as very caring and hard-working with family caring duties; acknowledged issues with alcohol.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Jamie Hancock

Breaching a restraining order

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Jamie Hancock, after his release from prison in late February, bombarded his ex-partner with up to 1,000 calls and text messages, including threats to 'smash up' and disfigure her face so nobody would want her. This harassment began after their 12-month relationship ended in October of the previous year and followed a prior restraining order. The victim reported being too scared to live normally, fearing for her safety both at home and outside.

Pleaded guilty to seven counts of breaching a restraining order. Has prior convictions including two assaults by beating and a harassment offence. Accepts he has a tendency to 'fly off the handle' and needs help with his mental health.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Kirsty Davies

Affray

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 9-month suspended sentence for 18 months and 250 hours of unpaid work

On 1 May 2023, during a Fleetwood Mac tribute performance at Swansea's Grand Theatre, Kirsty Davies was involved in a verbal altercation over disruptive behaviour that escalated into a physical fight with kicks. Theatre staff tried to defuse the situation, but it persisted until police arrived; victims reported ongoing anxiety and fear of crowds.

Pleaded guilty; no prior criminal record; over-indulged in alcohol on the night and expressed horror and shame; has abstained from alcohol since; mother to a 16-year-old son.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Daniel Davies

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

June 16, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months and 200 hours of unpaid work

On September 15, 2024, Daniel Davies, while intoxicated, launched an unprovoked attack on a 19-year-old victim seated in a takeaway on Wind Street in Swansea. He punched and kneed the victim in the head multiple times, then kicked him to the head after he fell to the floor, shouting 'Have that!'. The victim suffered a broken nose, bruising, swelling, black eyes, migraines, and concussion, with significant mental impact including depression and loss of confidence.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. No previous convictions. The judge noted that the kick to the head could have caused serious injury or death and hoped the defendant learned from the incident.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Andrew Howse

Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Supply

June 14, 2025

Sentence: four years imprisonment

Andrew Howse was stopped by police on April 23, 2025, while driving a VW Tiguan. Officers found 13 snap-bags of cocaine worth up to £650 hidden in a child's car seat, along with £1,130 in cash on his person. Examination of his phones revealed messages related to drug supply. He initially denied knowledge of the drugs but later pleaded guilty. This incident occurred just 15 days after he received a suspended sentence for a firearms offence.

Pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply. Had a previous suspended sentence of 12 months for possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear, which was activated to run consecutively. Judge noted his initial attempt to blame his partner and lack of consideration for his family.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Darren Richards

Possession of an indecent pseudo-image of a child

June 14, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months, rehabilitation course, 200 hours unpaid work, 10-year sexual harm prevention order

Darren Richards used an AI 'undressing' app to digitally remove clothing from innocuous images of girls on Instagram, including from a 15th birthday party, making them appear naked. The offending came to light when the altered images were found on a phone he lent out, leading to his arrest and guilty plea. He had no prior convictions and expressed deep shame.

Pleaded guilty. Judge described actions as 'sleazy' and bordering on those of a paedophile. No previous convictions. Reputation irretrievably damaged.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Aran Baker

Engaging in fraudulent business practices

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 51 months imprisonment

Aran Baker was involved in the illegal tobacco operation at the Groszek shop in Llanelli. Searches of his home revealed 89,000 counterfeit cigarettes. The shop was a cash-based business focused on selling illicit tobacco, with daily takings from such sales estimated between £615 and £2,225.

Ordered to pay £630 within the specified period or face an additional seven days in prison. Co-defendant with Shoresh Salih Mhmood in the fraudulent tobacco operation.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Shoresh Salih Mhmood

Engaging in fraudulent business practices

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 42 months imprisonment

Shoresh Salih Mhmood was involved in running the Groszek shop in Llanelli town centre, which was primarily used for selling illicit tobacco. Officers conducted test purchases in 2021 and 2022, leading to searches that found 9,500 counterfeit cigarettes, 170 pouches of tobacco, and £32,699 in cash at his home. The operation was estimated to have generated nearly £1m from illicit sales over 817 days.

Ordered to pay £86,927 within three months or face an additional 10 months in prison. Involved in a fraudulent tobacco operation with co-defendant Aran Baker.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Tyrone Harding

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Tyrone Harding was released from prison on May 6, 2025, and on May 11, 2025, he was found in Brynmill Park, Swansea, in breach of his indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which prohibits him from entering any public park or recreational area. He was sitting on a bench near children playing, and he had failed to notify police of his post-release address as required by the sex offenders register. This incident is part of a pattern of repeated breaches and sexual offences dating back to 2015.

Pleaded guilty but refused to attend the sentencing hearing. Judge noted his disdain and contempt for the court. Has a history of breaching orders and is homeless, with previous convictions for similar offences.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Zahid Afzal

Fraud by false representation

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years and 300 hours of unpaid work

Zahid Afzal fraudulently obtained £150,000 in Bounce Back loans for his companies, Phones Onn and Phone Bits Ltd, by submitting three false applications to Lloyds, Starling, and Metro Bank in 2020. He falsely declared no prior applications and inflated the companies' turnover figures to secure the maximum £50,000 loans each time, despite having already received legitimate loans from HSBC and NatWest. The funds were largely transferred to personal accounts, exploiting a government scheme designed to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation. No previous convictions. Judge noted abuse of government aid during national emergency and considered impact on employees and public finances.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Lewis Morgan

Fraud by false representation

June 12, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, 180 hours of unpaid work, rehabilitation course, and compensation of £17,727 at £500 per month

Lewis Morgan helped his father, Carl John James, access his online banking app in March 2022 to facilitate a £6,000 transfer for a van purchase. Over the following 12 months, Morgan stopped the printed bank statements and fraudulently transferred a total of £17,727 from his father's account to his own in various sums. The victim discovered the theft in March 2023 when he checked his statements at the bank. Morgan admitted the offense during a police interview in February 2024, citing a difficult upbringing as a reason.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. Judge described the conduct as disgraceful and stated that the offending should be to his undying shame. He has one previous conviction for driving with excess alcohol.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Ashley James Edwards

Stalking involving fear of violence

June 11, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, rehabilitation course, building choices programme, and 150 hours of unpaid work

Ashley James Edwards broke into his ex-partner's house in the early hours of April 23, climbing through a window and shouting at her about her new relationship. He pinned her down on the couch, held a screwdriver to her throat, and dismissed her pleas regarding her young daughter. He then sent approximately 250 aggressive, abusive, and threatening texts and calls, including threats to kill and a photograph from her back garden, which he accessed by climbing over a neighbour's fence. The victim reported feeling like she was walking on eggshells during their relationship due to relentless abuse and cocaine use, and she stated his actions shattered her life and her daughter's.

Pleaded guilty to stalking involving fear of violence. Has a previous conviction for stalking and harassing a different former partner. Judge advised him to concentrate on being a father, give up cocaine, and treat women properly.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Brian Rowe

Dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances

June 11, 2025

Sentence: Six months imprisonment, suspended for two years

Brian and Frances Rowe made a fraudulent claim for Universal Credit in February 2019 by failing to disclose that Brian owned a second property worth approximately £170,000, which they were renting out for £500 per month. This omission led to them receiving £48,517 in overpayments they were not entitled to, between February 2019 and August 2023.

Pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances. Has one previous conviction for criminal damage. Judge noted the motivation was financial due to ill-health, and stated that stealing from the state is not an insignificant matter.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Frances Rowe

Dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances

June 11, 2025

Sentence: Six months imprisonment, suspended for two years

Pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances. Has no previous convictions. Judge noted the motivation was financial due to Brian's ill-health, and stated that stealing from the state is not an insignificant matter.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

John Joseph Mcevoy

Coercive or Controlling Behaviour

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 41 months imprisonment

John Joseph McEvoy subjected his partner to a three-year campaign of abuse starting from April 2022, which included placing a tracking device in her car, repeatedly assaulting her in various locations such as hotels in Swansea, Cardiff, and Bridgend, threatening her with machetes and knives, suffocating her with a pillow on Christmas Eve, making threats to kill and harm her family, and engaging in controlling behaviour such as demanding lie detector tests and following her to Essex. The abuse involved physical violence, verbal degradation, and psychological manipulation, leaving her an emotional wreck.

Pleaded guilty to engaging in coercive or controlling behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentional suffocation, and making threats to kill. Judge noted he used a campaign of aggression and violence to instil fear and gain power and control over his partner. He has previous convictions for public disorder and was dealing with personal issues including heavy drinking and family bereavements.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Alex Armstrong

Possession with intent to supply ecstasy and cannabis

June 9, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months and 150 hours of unpaid work

Alex Armstrong was stopped by police on March 10, 2023, while driving westbound on the M4 near Pont Abraham services, en route from Bridgend to Ammanford. Acting on intelligence, officers searched his vehicle and discovered 125g of ecstasy, 183 packages of chocolate cannabis edibles, 12 packages of cannabis jelly sweets with a street value of up to £9,875, and £1,040 in cash. He admitted to acting as a courier, having been asked to pick up the drugs in exchange for £100, and his vehicle had been detected on automatic number plate recognition cameras making multiple journeys to Bridgend.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. No previous convictions. Judge remarked that the defendant had made a serious error of judgement by entering the 'murky world of drugs' and put his employment and family life at risk.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Samuel Bolton

Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm

June 9, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, rehabilitation course, 200 hours unpaid work, and £380 compensation

On August 19, 2023, Samuel Bolton punched a seated man in the face at the Pontardawe Inn pub in Pontardawe during an altercation involving his brother, leading to a scuffle where the victim fell to the floor. The victim suffered a fractured eye socket, bleeding in the eye, and deteriorated vision, which impacted his ability to participate in kickboxing and caused emotional distress. Bolton was on bail for a similar prior incident in April 2022 at the Bambu bar in Swansea, where he punched another man and fractured his eye socket.

Pleaded guilty on the day of trial. Has one previous conviction for inflicting grievous bodily harm. Was on bail for the previous offence. Judge noted he seems to be someone who 'likes punching people in the eye' and criticised his lack of responsibility until the day of trial.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Anthony O'connell

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

June 8, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Anthony O'Connell assaulted his son during a family gathering at the son's home in Llansamlet in May of the previous year. After a meal, O'Connell went upstairs, and when his son checked on him, he launched an unprovoked attack, repeatedly punching his son in the face, pinning him down, biting his nose, and then striking him with a walking stick. The victim, who has mobility issues, escaped to a neighbour's house and reported the incident to the police. O'Connell claimed self-defence in his interview.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The sentence is to be served concurrently with an extended sentence he is currently serving for a separate robbery offence. He has previous convictions, including wounding with intent and battery.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Anthony Felton

Attempted grievous bodily harm

April 1, 2025

Sentence: two years and four months imprisonment

Anthony Felton, the headteacher of St Joseph's Roman Catholic Comprehensive in Aberavon, Neath Port Talbot, attacked his deputy, Richard Pyke, with a metal wrench on March 5, 2025, after discovering that Mr Pyke was the father of a fellow teacher's child and was in a relationship with the same teacher. The two had been friends and colleagues for 15 years. Felton struck Mr Pyke from behind, causing minor injuries that required hospital treatment, and later apologised via email to staff.

Pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. Attacked his deputy due to overwhelming sexual jealousy and was later released under home detention curfew with electronic monitoring.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Anthony John Felton

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

April 1, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

On the morning of March 5, 2025, Anthony John Felton, the head teacher of St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Comprehensive in Aberavon since 2023, brought a large spanner or wrench to the school and attacked deputy head Richard Pyke by striking him on the head with the tool in a jealous rage over sexual jealousy. Shocking footage showed Mr Pyke kicking away at Felton to keep him back while Felton continued to swipe with the weapon raised, stopping only when a staff member intervened after hearing screams.

Admitted a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent. Released early in August 2025 and subject to an electronically-monitored curfew for a minimum of nine hours a day.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Kieran Irwin

Simple possession of cocaine

January 13, 2025

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months and £100 fine

On May 23, 2024, Kieran Irwin attempted to smuggle 2.79g of cocaine, divided into seven snap bags, into the In It Together Festival in Margam by hiding it inside a Kinder Egg. He was detained by security guards at the gate before entry and the drugs were seized. Irwin claimed the cocaine was for his own intermittent personal use, having originally bought eight wraps. No evidence of supply was found on his or the other men's phones. This followed a 12-week training camp, and he described it as a minor relapse after re-engaging with boxing post his 2022 cannabis offence.

Pleaded guilty to simple possession of cocaine. Offence committed while subject to a suspended sentence for cannabis dealing. Judge described the decision as 'extremely foolish'. No further conditions imposed.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Keiran Pridmore

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

January 2, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 180 hours unpaid work, rehabilitation course

Keiran Pridmore subjected his girlfriend to a series of assaults and controlling behaviour during their relationship starting in 2023 in Swansea. Incidents included pushing her to the ground, slapping her face, kicking her legs after she interrupted his video gaming in July 2023; pushing her into a wall and radiator, kneeing her forehead; pulling her down garden steps causing a twisted ankle requiring crutches for four weeks; throwing her to the floor and grabbing her hair in April 2024. He also punched a hole in a door in February 2024. The abuse was reported to police in April 2024 after the final incident. Pridmore denied the allegations but was convicted by a jury in October 2024. The victim suffered significant mental health impacts and loss of friendships.

Found guilty at trial of engaging in controlling behaviour, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and two counts of criminal damage. No previous convictions. Described as an 'aimless young man' with no meaningful employment. Judge gave him a chance to avoid immediate custody but warned he deserved prison.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Bridget Curtis

Causing death by dangerous driving

January 1, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 7.5 years

On June 21, 2023, Bridget Curtis, while driving her automatic BMW 520d, stopped outside Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. She accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake while assisting her daughter, causing the car to mount a kerb, strike a pushchair, and collide with a tree. This resulted in fatal head injuries to eight-month-old Mabli Cariad Hall, who died on June 25, 2023. Curtis had a clean driving record for over 50 years and no prior convictions.

Pled guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The sentence was originally 4 years but reduced on appeal due to it being deemed manifestly excessive. Judges noted it was a lapse of concentration and pedal confusion, with genuine remorse expressed.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Tristan Phillips

Affray and common assault

December 31, 2024

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 200 hours unpaid work, rehabilitation course, mental health treatment requirement

On July 25, 2024, Tristan Phillips aggressively confronted a home care worker attending to his mother in their Neath Valley home. He shouted at her to leave, slapped a coffee cup from her hand, pulled a kitchen knife from a drawer, raised it threateningly while asking 'Do you want to f***ing die?', and spat at her as she fled in fear. Police arrested him, seizing the knife and two bags of cannabis. The incident stemmed from his overprotectiveness after a prior complaint about the carer, exacerbated by staff shortages leading to her unexpected visit. The carer reported ongoing trauma, installing home CCTV without relief, and the council withdrew all home care support. Phillips' mother has since passed away.

Pleaded guilty to affray and common assault. Judge noted overprotectiveness led to serious overreaction. Escaped immediate prison by a hair's breadth. Prior 12-month conditional discharge for cannabis possession.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Mateusz Sikorski

Causing death by dangerous driving

December 28, 2024

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Mateusz Sikorski drove a BMW on the wrong side of the road on the A4139 at Penally near Tenby on September 2, 2024, colliding head-on with a taxi driven by Christopher Boyle, a 57-year-old father-of-five. CCTV footage confirmed his vehicle was on the wrong side, and Boyle died at the scene from traumatic injuries.

Driving on the wrong side of the road for at least half a mile, causing a head-on collision. He initially denied fault but later admitted it.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Kelly Hopkins

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs

December 26, 2024

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

On October 24, 2024, police in Swansea's High Street observed known drug users withdrawing money from a cash machine and followed them to Tontine Street where they approached a car driven by Hopkins. Officers witnessed suspected drug transactions, arrested Hopkins (driver) and searched her, finding five wraps of heroin and 32 pregabalin tablets. In the car, they found a plastic tub with white rocks, three phones, and drug paraphernalia including weighing scales. Seized phones contained texts and Facebook messages relating to drug supply. Hopkins answered no comment in interview.

Pleaded guilty. One-third discount applied. Described as archetypal user-dealer funding her own habit. Has 10 previous convictions for eight offences including six for simple possession of drugs. Physical improvement noted since remand.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Sion Harrison

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs

December 26, 2024

Sentence: 45 months imprisonment

On October 24, 2024, police in Swansea followed known drug users from a cash machine on High Street to Tontine Street where they approached a car. Officers witnessed suspected drug transactions involving the car's occupants, including Harrison as rear seat passenger. He was arrested alongside the driver and two others. Answered no comment in interview. The car contained drugs and paraphernalia indicative of supply operations.

Pleaded guilty. One-quarter discount applied. No previous convictions. Former head chef who became homeless and turned to drug use due to peer pressure and addiction. Signed up for 12 Steps addiction programme with ambition to be drug free.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Jonathan Brooking

Theft

December 3, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 300 hours unpaid work, rehabilitation course, 3-month curfew

Jonathan Brooking, a 49-year-old former Royal Mail customer operations manager at the Bridgend sorting office, stole £50,160 in cash from Special Delivery packages containing money between September 2022 and June 2024. He intercepted packages he identified as containing money, took them home, and deposited the cash into his Nationwide bank account. The thefts occurred over 18 months, resuming after covert CCTV was removed in 2024. He was caught via an internal investigation analyzing finances and work patterns. Brooking admitted the offences in a voluntary interview, resigned the next day, and Royal Mail compensated affected customers £47,000.

Pleaded guilty to theft. No previous convictions. Signed over £33,428 pension to Royal Mail. Judge noted he had 'lost his morals' and succumbed to temptation. Family finances stretched, intended to repay but did not.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jay Holloway

Supply of cocaine

November 1, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Jay Holloway assisted in running the cocaine-dealing line with Cameron Thomas. Police found 22g of cocaine, worth £1,600, and £492 in cash at his address during a raid.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Cameron Thomas

Supply of cocaine

November 1, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Cameron Thomas operated a significant cocaine-dealing line in Swansea, sending hundreds of messages to customers, including 92 messages on one day in January 2024. Police raided his home in February 2024, finding £3,500 in cash, gold chains, rings, iPhones, and expensive clothing. He paused the operation for a two-week family holiday in November 2023. Subscriber checks and phone data linked him to the drug line.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property. Judge commented that he was tempted by easy money and should reflect on the value of material gains.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Jennifer Hopkins

Being the owner of dogs which were dangerously out of control and caused injury

September 5, 2024

Sentence: Nine months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, 150 hours of unpaid work, and £10,000 compensation

On October 24, 2023, three Carpathian mountain dogs owned by Jennifer Hopkins attacked a Yodel delivery driver at her address in the Blaenwaun area. The driver was delivering a parcel when the dogs ran towards her, biting her on the hand, hip, and belt line, causing severe injuries that exposed bone and tendons, required two operations, and left her hand not fully healed by the time of sentencing. Hopkins provided a rag for the wound and took the victim to A&E, but there were inadequate signs and security measures in place at the time.

Pleaded guilty with no previous convictions. The dogs remained with her, and one has since died. Judge Huw Rees noted the victim's innocence and inadequate protection at the property.

Sources: southwalesargus.co.uk

Charlotte Cotterrell

Assault and Breach of Restraining Order

September 1, 2024

Sentence: 12 weeks imprisonment, 14 months from suspended sentence, and 1 month from another suspended sentence, all consecutively

Charlotte Cotterrell assaulted her ex-partner, causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating, which occurred before September 2024. She was subject to a restraining order as part of her initial suspended sentence. On February 13, 2024, she breached this order by shouting obscenities at him from a car in Pontardawe, making him feel scared and leading to her arrest and subsequent conviction.

Pleaded not guilty but was found guilty at trial. Had 12 previous convictions and was on a community order at the time. Judge extended the restraining order by two years and noted her superficial compliance with previous orders.

Sources: southwalesguardian.co.uk

Nicholas Edwards

Sexual Assault by Penetration

August 1, 2024

Sentence: Six years imprisonment

Nicholas Edwards sexually assaulted a woman by penetration in December last year, while under the influence of alcohol, which aggravated the offence.

Found guilty after trial; was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offence, which involved specific targeting of the victim.

Sources: westerntelegraph.co.uk

Alan Griffiths

Stalking and common assault

July 4, 2024

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment and a restraining order

Alan Griffiths tormented his ex-partner after their relationship ended around October 2023 by sending unwanted messages and calls, appearing in her hometown of Llandeilo, posting about her on social media implying her dogs were involved in an incident with sheep, and previously assaulting her in June or July 2023 by grabbing her hair, dragging her outside the house in her underwear, and locking her out.

Found guilty after denying stalking and battery charges. Had six previous convictions and was subject to a suspended sentence for assault occasioning actual bodily harm against the same victim.

Sources: southwalesguardian.co.uk

Nathan Clark

Coercive Control

June 12, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Nathan Clark, 31, of Larch Road in Milford Haven, engaged in a controlling and abusive relationship with his ex-partner starting around early 2023, which deteriorated in the second half of the year. Between December 2023 and January 2024, he exhibited coercive control, threatened to share intimate images and videos of the victim, assaulted her causing actual bodily harm, strangled her, and admitted to criminal damage to her mobile phone on Christmas Day and a door on New Year's Eve. The victim reported fearing for her life, and the abuse left her profoundly distressed and a shadow of her former self.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury. Judge Paul Thomas KC noted that Clark had prior convictions for violence against women and represents a continuing risk. Mitigation included family bereavements leading to substance abuse.

Sources: westerntelegraph.co.uk

Kelly Rees

Robbery

June 9, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Kelly Rees and Ashlee Rees deliberately targeted a lone taxi driver in a pre-planned robbery on Trafalgar Road, Milford Haven, on the evening of October 18, 2024. Kelly Rees reached into the vehicle, took a blue canvas bag containing between £50 and £80, and pricked the driver with a needle. Three boxes of syringes were found at her home, related to her blood thinner medication. The driver suffered recurrent nightmares, family fears, and required blood tests for potential infection.

Admitted robbery but denied using the needle, and was convicted of that charge after a trial. Has previous convictions for theft-related offences. Had relapsed into drug use but showed improvement and became more composed while in custody.

Sources: westerntelegraph.co.uk

Ashlee Rees

Robbery

June 9, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Ashlee Rees and Kelly Rees deliberately targeted a lone taxi driver in a pre-planned robbery on Trafalgar Road, Milford Haven, on the evening of October 18, 2024. Ashlee Rees pulled open the cab's passenger door, pointed a knife, and demanded the driver's wallet. The driver initially thought it was a joke, attempted to take the knife, and felt a prick on his thigh from a needle wielded by Kelly Rees. A blue canvas bag containing between £50 and £80 was stolen. The driver suffered recurrent nightmares, family fears, and required blood tests for potential infection.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing a knife blade. Has previous convictions for theft-related offences. Expressed genuine remorse and showed a different side while in custody, linked to drug use.

Sources: westerntelegraph.co.uk

Lloyd Davies

Rape of a child

May 9, 2024

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Lloyd Davies, 29, of Caecoed in Llandybie, raped and sexually abused two female children aged between six and 11 years old. The offences included multiple incidents of rape and incitement to sexual activity. One victim reported the crimes in December 2022 after confiding in a friend and counsellor, leading to a police investigation and trial.

Pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of multiple charges including rape and sexual abuse of children. He must serve this sentence following a trial.

Sources: westerntelegraph.co.uk

Peter Gilmore

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

April 19, 2024

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 6 years and 2 months

On February 1, 2024, Peter Gilmore was driving a Citroen Dispatch van on the A487 from Aberystwyth to Llanrhystud and the B4337 towards Talsarn when he exhibited dangerous driving behaviour, including driving closely behind large vehicles, nearly crashing head-on, weaving across the road, and narrowly avoiding collisions over 14.2 miles. He attempted to overtake a lorry but pulled into the path of an oncoming Hyundai, causing a head-on collision that left the victim with a fractured sternum, two fractured ribs, and whiplash injuries. Gilmore tested positive for cannabis, slurred his words, and had abnormal pupils at the scene. He had been stopped earlier that day for drug-driving and disqualified at another court.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to provide a sample for analysis. He had 44 previous convictions, including for dangerous driving in 2004 and several instances of driving whilst disqualified. Judge Geraint Walters noted the facts were 'truly disturbing' and that it was remarkable he drove after being stopped earlier. He accepted full responsibility and apologised at the scene.

Sources: tivysideadvertiser.co.uk

Shaheen Miah

Perverting the Course of Justice

April 12, 2024

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years; 200 hours of unpaid work; 6 months driving disqualification; £500 costs and £187 surcharge

Shaheen Miah's Mercedes-Benz was caught speeding on Colby Road in Burry Port on November 14, 2022, while he already had six points on his licence. He paid £300 to someone to falsely attribute the offence to an innocent man by providing a wrong address, resulting in that man being prosecuted in his absence. Miah was interviewed on February 13, 2023, and his actions led to him being charged with perverting the course of justice.

Pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. Judge commented that it was a stupid act undermining the administration of justice. He has no previous convictions but had been caught speeding before, and is a family man who owns a restaurant.

Sources: tivysideadvertiser.co.uk

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