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Gang used drug profits to purchase Banksy artwork worth £190,000

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A GANG including both men and a woman, from Ebbw Vale, have been sentenced for their part in the importation, production, and supply of cannabis.

The investigation uncovered that the group’s drug network extended across all parts of Wales, including Pembrokeshire, with proceeds from their operations funding an extravagant lifestyle.

The moment police busted the gang (Video: Gwent police)

They used drug money to purchase art by renowned street artist Banksy. Among the seized artworks are Banksy’s Grappling Hook, Monkey Queen portrait, and The Watchtower Swing portrait, valued at over £190,000. The collection will be part of a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) process in the coming months.

Bought with drug money: Banky’s Monkey Queen

It is believed they used the funds from their drug sales to buy a range of art, including the work of renowned street artist Banksy. The artwork is due to be part of a proceeds of crime act process in the coming months but could be worth more than £190,000. The art seized includes Banksy’s Grappling Hook, Monkey Queen portrait and The Watchtower Swing portrait.

Banksy: The Watchtower Swing

In addition to artwork, the group also purchased designer items, a caravan, quad bikes, and jet skis with an estimated value of £48,400. Across the three years, 12 warrants were carried out across Ebbw Vale and cash, cannabis, mobile phones, and art were seized.

On Friday (Oct 11):

  • Christopher Scrivens, 37, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for the importation of a class B drug – cannabis and conspiracy to supply a class B drug – cannabis
  • a 33-year-old man has been given a two-year community order with a rehabilitation activity and to complete unpaid work for being concerned in the production of a class B drug – cannabis and conspiracy to supply a class B drug – cannabis
  • a 39-year-old man has been given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and unpaid work for being concerned in the production of a class B drug – cannabis and conspiracy to supply a class B drug – cannabis
  • a 33-year-old man has been given an 18-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and unpaid work for conspiring to supply a class B drug – cannabis and possessing criminal property
  • a 39-year-old man has been given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and unpaid work for conspiring to supply a class B drug – cannabis
  • a 41-year-old woman has been given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and to complete unpaid work for possessing criminal property.
Jailed: Christopher Scrivens

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Preston said: “This is a particularly complex case, where the defendants have attempted to hide the proceeds of their crimes in extravagant items of clothing, vehicles, and artwork.

“I’d like to thank all the officers and staff within Gwent Police for their hard work to bring these defendants before the courts and ensure thousands of pounds of criminal assets have been seized.

“Taking away the assets that criminals have purchased through crime, sends the message that crime does not pay.

“Drug dealers cause misery to our communities; they have no consideration for the distress and fear they cause, and we will continue to target anyone intent on causing our neighbourhoods harm.

“In the past few months, we’ve seen several arrests and charges for serious and organised crime thanks to the reports and information from the public. You play a vital role in helping us tackle drug dealing, I would urge anyone with any concerns or information about drug use or supply in your community to get in contact.”.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

  • Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
  • Common assault
  • Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • A second count of assault
  • Criminal damage
  • An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
  • A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • Intentional non-fatal strangulation
  • Common assault on a woman
  • Criminal damage in a domestic context
  • Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
  • Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.

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