Swansea Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Jonis Krasniqi

Cannabis production

April 5, 2024

Sentence: 10 months in a Young Offender Institution

Jonis Krasniqi was caught attempting to flee through a back window during a police raid on a derelict property on Cyfyng Road in Ystalyfera on February 21. Police discovered a cannabis grow operation with 83 plants in the growing stage and 22 in the nursery stage at one property, connected via a hole in the wall to a neighbouring property with 66 cannabis plants. The setup included fans, timers, lights, and plastic sheeting. Krasniqi was in the UK illegally, with his asylum application previously rejected.

Pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, had no previous convictions, was acting under instructions of others, and will be deported after serving half of the sentence.

Sources: southwalesguardian.co.uk

Drenit Matmuja

Cannabis production

April 5, 2024

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

Drenit Matmuja was found hiding behind building materials in a neighbouring property during a police raid on February 21 at a derelict address on Cyfyng Road in Ystalyfera. The raid uncovered a cannabis grow operation linked to the adjacent property, with a total of 149 cannabis plants at various stages. The rooms were equipped with fans, timers, lights, and plastic lining. Matmuja stated he had left Albania to work for money and was in the UK illegally, unknown to immigration services until his arrest.

Pleaded guilty early, had no previous convictions, fully accepted his involvement, and will be deported after serving half of the sentence.

Sources: southwalesguardian.co.uk

Dorian Williams

Coercive control and harassment

April 1, 2024

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Dorian Williams, 49, from Bryn Salem in Felinfach, was in a relationship where he isolated his partner from family and friends, took her keys and phone, assaulted her by snatching and throwing her phone, and after she ended the relationship in March 2023, he stalked her by phoning 30 to 40 times a day, contacting her via email and social media, showing up at her workplace, and sending messages threatening suicide or self-harm.

Controlled and isolated his partner, engaged in stalking and emotional blackmail after she left him, continued despite arrests. A five-year restraining order was granted to the victim.

Sources: westerntelegraph.co.uk

Ieuan Duffy

Supply of cocaine and cannabis

April 1, 2024

Sentence: three years and five months in a Young Offender Institution

Ieuan Duffy, aged 20, engaged in drug dealing between December 2023 and January 2024. Police raided his home on December 6, 2023, seizing 151.86 grams of cannabis worth £1,680, £430.25 in cash, electronic weighing scales, zip lock bags, and two mobile phones showing evidence of dealing. On January 27, 2024, another search found 28 grams of cocaine worth up to £2,000, 427 grams of cannabis worth £4,740, electronic scales, two mobile phones, and £3,032.92 in cash. He continued dealing after his initial arrest to pay off debts from his own drug use.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, possession with intent to supply cocaine, two offences of possession with intent to supply cannabis, and two offences of possession of criminal property. Judge Huw Rees called him a 'fool' and ordered him to repay £3,883.30 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: westerntelegraph.co.uk

Ann Mcdonagh

Obtaining services dishonestly

April 1, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Ann McDonagh, 39, and her husband Bernard targeted five restaurants between August 2023 and April 2024, racking up unpaid bills totalling more than £1,000. At Bella Ciao in Swansea, they ordered T-bone steaks and double pudding portions then left without paying their £329 bill. The other offences related to meals at Isabella's in Porthcawl, River House in Swansea Docks, Golden Fortune in Port Talbot and La Casona in Skewen. They used more than 40 aliases and 18 dates of birth as part of the fraud, instructing their children to wait in the restaurants while they pretended to go to a cashpoint. They were identified from CCTV images posted online by Bella Ciao.

Pleaded guilty to five counts of obtaining services dishonestly. Ordered to pay £2,185 in compensation, £1,168 for unpaid restaurant bills and £1,017 for items stolen from shops. Judge Paul Thomas KC described their conduct as 'ruthlessly exploitative' and motivated by 'pure and utter greed'.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Bernard Mcdonagh

Obtaining services dishonestly

April 1, 2024

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Bernard McDonagh, 41, and his wife Ann targeted five restaurants between August 2023 and April 2024, racking up unpaid bills totalling more than £1,000. At Bella Ciao in Swansea, they ordered T-bone steaks and double pudding portions then left without paying their £329 bill. The other offences related to meals at Isabella's in Porthcawl, River House in Swansea Docks, Golden Fortune in Port Talbot and La Casona in Skewen. They used more than 40 aliases and 18 dates of birth as part of the fraud, instructing their children to wait in the restaurants while they pretended to go to a cashpoint. They were identified from CCTV images posted online by Bella Ciao.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Jayden Mason-Forbes

Supply of Cannabis

March 25, 2024

Sentence: 13 months in a Young Offender Institute

Jayden Mason-Forbes was stopped by police in Aberaeron on September 27, along with three others, where officers found 8.48 grams of cannabis, 1.23 grams of cocaine, a cannabis grinder, £200 in cash, and two mobile phones. Analysis of one phone revealed messages from May 15 to September 25 showing his involvement in dealing cannabis, including advertising various strains and employing drug runners across Lampeter and Aberaeron. He denied supplying cocaine, claiming it was for personal use, but the prosecution accepted his pleas after review.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of cocaine and cannabis. Had 12 previous convictions, including seven drug-related offences, and was subject to a detention and training order at the time of the offence. Mitigation highlighted his difficult past and efforts to rehabilitate while in prison.

Sources: tivysideadvertiser.co.uk

Gabriel Stratulat

Producing cannabis

March 24, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

On February 13, 2024, police raided an address in Pontardawe and found Gabriel Stratulat and a co-defendant attempting to flee. Officers discovered 129 cannabis plants growing in three rooms, with two additional rooms that had been recently harvested and had bypassed electricity. The operation was capable of producing between 3.5 and 11 kilograms of cannabis, valued up to £57,000. In the living room, three vacuum-sealed bags each contained about a kilogram of cannabis, worth between £12,000 and £15,600. Stratulat admitted to staying in the property and caring for the plants.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis on the basis that he did not buy or set up the equipment but tended to the plants for approximately three weeks. He had no previous convictions. Judge Geraint Walters noted the prevalence of cannabis factories run by Romanians or Albanians and mentioned a potential deportation decision by the Home Office upon release.

Sources: southwalesguardian.co.uk

Aldi Gjegjaj

Conspiracy to supply cannabis

February 28, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Aldi Gjegjaj was involved in conspiring to supply cannabis. He travelled from London to Llanarth on July 1, collected 97kg of cannabis from a disused school building in Llandysul on July 4, and was transporting it back to London when arrested in Carmarthenshire. Phone mast data showed multiple trips between London and west Wales from March to July. The total value of the seized drugs was between £1,376,600 and nearly £2 million.

Defendant came to the UK illegally due to financial problems in Albania, had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, and used time in custody productively. Judge noted he abused his visitor status for financial gain.

Sources: tivysideadvertiser.co.uk

Alfred Perkola

Conspiracy to supply cannabis

February 28, 2024

Sentence: Three years and nine months imprisonment

Alfred Perkola was involved in conspiring to supply cannabis. He assisted in transporting 97kg of cannabis from a disused school building in Llandysul to London and was arrested in Carmarthenshire on July 4. Phone mast data indicated multiple trips between London and west Wales from March to July. The total value of the seized drugs was between £1,376,600 and nearly £2 million.

Defendant had two previous convictions, including one for producing Class B drugs, and was appealing a deportation order. He pleaded guilty at an early opportunity and acknowledged a lengthy sentence was inevitable. Judge noted he abused his visitor status for financial gain.

Sources: tivysideadvertiser.co.uk

Adam Jones

Affray and unlawful wounding

February 14, 2024

Sentence: 13 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, rehabilitation course

On the morning of February 14, 2024, in Fern Street, Cwmbwrla, Swansea, Adam Jones participated in a violent street brawl with neighbours, repeatedly punching Mr Bishop approximately 15 times after Mr Bishop threw the first punch, amid threats to kill and aggressive behaviour from all parties involved in the disturbance.

Pleaded guilty to affray and unlawful wounding. No previous convictions. Judge noted background tensions with neighbours leading to the explosion of violence.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Bethan Jones

Affray

February 14, 2024

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, rehabilitation course

On the morning of February 14, 2024, in Fern Street, Cwmbwrla, Swansea, Bethan Jones engaged in a heated and violent disturbance with neighbours Mr Bishop and Miss Bowers, shouting accusations of smoking and drug taking, making threats to kill, and assaulting Miss Bowers during an argument that escalated into a brawl witnessed by members of the public.

Pleaded guilty to affray. One previous conviction for drink-driving. Judge described the incident as shameful.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Geraint Purton

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

January 3, 2024

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment plus 6 months activated suspended sentence

Geraint Purton, in a relationship with the victim for about 18 months, launched three attacks due to paranoia. On May 14, he snatched her phone and hit her on the head, causing a cut and making her faint and vomit. On June 18, while she was asleep, he hit her nose, used derogatory language, accused her of infidelity, and kicked her in the torso, injuring her and exposing a child to blood and violence. On July 1, he dug a razor blade into her face while she prepared her child for school. He sent apologetic messages after each incident and was reported to police on July 5.

Pleaded guilty to three offences. Had eight previous convictions and was subject to a suspended sentence at the time. Defence highlighted drug misuse and engagement with mental health and substance programmes. Judge described actions as cowardly and aggravated by presence of children.

Sources: tivysideadvertiser.co.uk

Kashif Iqbal

Participating in a fraudulent business

January 1, 2024

Sentence: 5.5 years imprisonment

Kashif Iqbal, of Jersey Road, Bonymaen, Swansea, ran an illegal vapes business at Rebel Vapes shop in Morriston. In 2022, Swansea Council trading standards officers conducted visits and test purchases, seizing hundreds of vapes containing enough liquid for up to 4,000 puffs, exceeding legal limits. He also supplied vapes wholesale. In July 2023, over 90 boxes (each with 160 vapes) were found at a storage unit, and 27 boxes in his van. The total value of vapes sold and seized was estimated at £500,000. His prosecution led to the takedown of a major UK supplier in Southall, London.

Pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent business. Judge Catherine Richards noted involvement in selling thousands of illegal and unregulated vapes, including to a child. Proceeds of crime hearing resulted in £300,000 confiscation order.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Liam Hill

Producing cannabis

November 19, 2023

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Liam Hill, 35, of Afan Road, Duffryn Rhondda, Afan Valley, ran a commercial cannabis growing operation using converted HGV trailers in a compound at the former Western Logs depot near Cwmavon. On October 22, 2023, police discovered 102 plants and six kilos of harvested cannabis with a total street value up to £148,000. He admitted full involvement, learned growing from the internet, and sold cannabis in one-gram deals for £10 and kilos for £2,500-£3,500. A diary with a growing schedule was found in his van.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and supplying cannabis. No previous convictions. One-third discount for guilty plea. Will serve up to half in custody before release on licence.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Jason Hill

Producing cannabis

November 19, 2023

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 200 hours unpaid work

Jason Hill, 55, of Afan Road, Duffryn Rhondda, Afan Valley, leased the compound from Western Logs and sublet it to his son for the cannabis operation, charging rent commercially. He was found sweeping cannabis cuttings in one trailer on October 22, 2023. Text messages showed he discussed plant care, demanded payments aggressively, and referenced his own crop. He answered no comment in interview but apologised in court.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. Two previous convictions for dishonesty offences of significant age. One-third discount for guilty plea. Suspension due to time on remand.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

David Thomas

Trademark offences

November 1, 2023

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

David Thomas, 48, of Sarnau, produced and sold pirated DVDs of shows including Clarkson’s Farm, Bridgerton, Emily in Paris, Jack Ryan, and unreleased titles from Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Sony, and Universal Studios, as well as wrestling content. He operated seven websites selling counterfeit DVDs, using professional electronic equipment to make them appear legitimate. The offending occurred between May 2012 and April 2023, generating substantial financial gain. The case was uncovered following a consumer complaint in January 2022, leading to an investigation by Northumberland County Council and Ceredigion County Council’s Trading Standards team.

Pleaded guilty to two trademark offences. Ordered to repay £185,437.01 under the Proceeds of Crime Act within three months, or face an additional two years imprisonment. Previously of clean character and affected by mental health issues. Ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a four-month curfew.

Sources: tivysideadvertiser.co.uk

Janis Dambrans

Attempted Arson

September 3, 2023

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Janis Dambrans, a 53-year-old farm worker, tried to set fire to his co-worker's car and caravan after a dispute and while under the influence of alcohol. He poured petrol over the vehicle and the steps of the caravan, attempted to ignite it with a lighter, and threatened to burn down his employer's property at Fenton Home Farm in Crundale. The offences occurred between June 26, 2022, and March 24, 2023, putting others at risk of explosion and endangering lives.

Pleaded guilty to attempted arson reckless as to whether life was endangered, threatening to damage property, and causing criminal damage. No similar previous convictions; has a prior driving offence in 2021; expressed remorse; his partner is in the later stages of cancer; alcohol consumption was a factor.

Sources: westerntelegraph.co.uk

Roger Cook

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

July 18, 2023

Sentence: 32 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months; 150 hours unpaid work; 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Roger Cook assaulted his ex-partner at the victim's home in Ammanford on August 18 of the previous year. The incident occurred after Cook arrived to collect belongings but became enraged over suspected infidelity, leading to an argument. He followed the victim upstairs, grappled over a phone, and punched the victim six times initially, followed by another four or five punches, causing extensive bruising, two black eyes, and a bite mark on the arm. Cook claimed self-defence during his interview, but the prosecution noted he exceeded what was necessary.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Judge Paul Thomas KC stated that the defendant went way over the top and noted his jealousy after the relationship ended. A pre-sentence report was considered, and a five-year restraining order was granted to the victim.

Sources: southwalesguardian.co.uk

Daniel Popovici

Affray

July 16, 2023

Sentence: 17 months imprisonment, suspended for 1 year

Daniel Popovici held a knife to his flatmate's throat and threatened to 'cut his head off', before slashing towards his other flatmate and threatening to 'slit [the first flatmate's] throat when he was asleep'. This incident led to the imposition of a restraining order.

Craig Baker

Fraudulent trading

May 2, 2023

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Craig Baker conned three victims in Carmarthenshire between November 2021 and January 2023 by overcharging them, charging for work he did not complete, performing substandard work, and leaving jobs unfinished. One victim paid £32,745.50, of which £20,000 was allegedly defrauded, with the work assessed as poor quality and haphazard. A second victim was quoted £49,500 and paid half plus additional amounts, but the work had serious issues, did not comply with building regulations, and was worth no more than £16,000, requiring £55,500 in remedial costs. A third victim was quoted £1,500 for removing a chimney stack and later £6,000 for roof replacement, but used incorrect tiles and was challenged on the quote.

Pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading. Judge Paul Thomas KC described him as a rogue builder, conman, bully, and thoroughly dishonest man. He was also ordered to pay back £226.30 under the Proceeds of Crime Act and disqualified from being a company director for five years.

Sources: southwalesguardian.co.uk

Kyle Bevan

Murder

April 1, 2023

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years

On July 17, 2020, Kyle Bevan carried out a sustained, deliberate, and very violent attack on two-year-old Lola James at her home in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, using weapons. The attack caused around 101 injuries, including severe brain injury, extensive retinal damage, and injuries akin to those from a car crash. Lola was rushed to Withybush Hospital but died four days later on July 21, 2020, without regaining consciousness. Bevan falsely claimed the injuries were accidental from a fall caused by the family dog.

Pleaded not guilty but found guilty by jury. Judge Mr Justice Griffiths described the assault as sustained, deliberate, and very violent, involving the use of weapons, and an exercise of power over a helpless child. Showed no remorse.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Sinead James

Allowing or causing the death of a child

April 1, 2023

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Sinead James, mother of Lola James, was in a relationship with Kyle Bevan for a few months at the time of the incident on July 17, 2020, in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. She was convicted of allowing or causing the death of her two-year-old daughter, who was murdered by Bevan during this period.

Justin James David Liles

Conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis

April 1, 2022

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Justin James David Liles, aged 35, of St Clears, Carmarthenshire, was employed by the McCann family to assist in their industrial cannabis factory at a remote home in Cwmbach, Whitland, from 2015 to 2020, generating up to £3.5m in value through production of cannabis, oil, and chocolate edibles. The raid on October 23, 2020, revealed organized growing and drying setups, equipment, 202 plants valued at £460,000, 80kg of product worth £1.5m, and £10,000 cash. He admitted guilt on the fifth day of the April 2022 trial.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis between 2015 and 2020, and to acquiring criminal property. Employee in the McCann family operation.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Linda Mccann

Conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis

April 1, 2022

Sentence: 6 years and 7 months imprisonment

Linda McCann, aged 63, along with her husband Edward and son Daniel, relocated from Hampshire to a remote property in Cwmbach, Carmarthenshire, in 2015 to expand their cannabis business into a commercial-scale operation potentially worth £3.5m. The facility featured sophisticated growing and processing equipment for herbal cannabis, oil, and edibles like infused chocolate. On October 23, 2020, police discovered the operation during a raid, recovering plants, processed cannabis, cash, and evidence of high-quality production via text messages. The family pleaded guilty mid-trial in April 2022 after initially denying involvement.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis between 2015 and 2020, and to acquiring criminal property. 5% discount for guilty plea. Confiscation order of £333,586 under Proceeds of Crime Act, with 3 years imprisonment in default.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Daniel Mccann

Conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis

April 1, 2022

Sentence: 8 years and 6 months imprisonment

Daniel McCann, aged 41, assisted his parents Edward and Linda in moving from Hampshire to an isolated farm in Cwmbach, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, in 2015, where he purchased the property for £385,000 to serve as a base for their expanded cannabis factory. The operation, running from 2015 to 2020, involved growing, processing, and distributing cannabis products with a street value up to £3.5m, including tinned cannabis and edibles. Police uncovered the setup on October 23, 2020, finding advanced equipment, 202 plants, 80kg of product, and £10,000 cash. Text messages revealed operational details and boasts about product quality. Pleas changed to guilty on day five of the April 2022 trial.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis between 2015 and 2020, and to acquiring criminal property. Also pleaded guilty to a separate conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis between 2013 and 2015 in Hampshire. 5% discount for guilty plea. Confiscation order of £413,583 under Proceeds of Crime Act, with 4 years imprisonment in default.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Jack Whittock

Conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis

April 1, 2022

Sentence: 2 years and 10 months imprisonment

Jack Whittock, aged 32, of Llanteg, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, worked as an employee for the McCann family in their large-scale cannabis production and supply operation at a secluded property in Cwmbach, Carmarthenshire, from 2015 to 2020. The site produced herbal cannabis, oil, and edibles worth up to £3.5m. On October 23, 2020, police raided and found sophisticated growing rooms, processing areas, 202 plants, 80kg of cannabis product, and cash. He pleaded guilty mid-trial in April 2022.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis between 2015 and 2020, and to acquiring criminal property. Employee in the McCann family operation.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Edward Mccann

Conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis

April 1, 2022

Sentence: 7 years and 7 months imprisonment

Edward McCann, aged 66, along with his wife Linda and son Daniel, moved from Hampshire to a secluded property in Cwmbach near Whitland, Carmarthenshire, in 2015, establishing an industrial-scale cannabis production and distribution operation valued at up to £3.5m over five years. The setup included six growing rooms, extraction equipment, drying areas, and production of cannabis oil and edibles. Police raided the property on October 23, 2020, seizing 202 plants worth up to £460,000, 80kg of cannabis product worth £1.5m, and £10,000 in cash. The family denied involvement but changed pleas on the fifth day of trial in April 2022.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis between 2015 and 2020, and to acquiring criminal property. Also pleaded guilty to a separate conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis between 2013 and 2015 in Hampshire. 5% discount for guilty plea. Confiscation order of £342,160 under Proceeds of Crime Act, with 4 years imprisonment in default.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Christopher Tatton

Indecent assault

February 1, 2020

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

Christopher Tatton subjected three young girls to a campaign of sexual abuse spanning two decades during the 1980s and 1990s. His youngest victim was five years old. The abuse was not reported to police until two decades later. The first trial in September 2018 resulted in no verdict, but he was convicted at the retrial in February 2020. Victims reported long-term effects including anxiety, relationship issues, work and sleep problems.

Convicted of 23 counts of indecent assault after denying abuse and forcing victims to give evidence in two trials. Judge Paul Thomas QC commented on his twisted sexual urges and lack of compassion, noting profound psychological impact on victims.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

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