Crime
New Year’s Day arrests lead to drug dealing confessions
TWO men have confessed to drug dealing after being caught in possession of cocaine and cannabis on New Year’s Day 2023.
Alex John, 21, of Lon Y Prior, St Clears, and Joshua Jenkins, 30, of Station View, Tumble, faced a total of seven drug-related charges, spanning from mid-2022 to January 1, 2023.
The pair were arrested on Queen Street, Carmarthen, on New Year’s Day last year, where both were found with cocaine and accused of possessing the drug with intent to supply.
John also faced charges of possessing cannabis with intent to supply on the same date. In addition, he was charged with being concerned in the supply of both cocaine and cannabis from July 10, 2022, until his arrest. Jenkins faced similar charges, relating to the supply of cocaine and cannabis between September 2, 2022, and January 1, 2023.
The two men had previously entered guilty pleas to all charges on a basis, but these pleas were disputed by prosecutors. When the case returned to Swansea Crown Court on January 15, the court heard that neither basis of plea could be accepted by the Crown.
David Singh, representing John, informed the court that his client had withdrawn his basis of plea and now accepted the prosecution’s case in full. Regan Walters, acting for Jenkins, stated that contentious elements of his client’s basis of plea had been removed.
Prosecutor Brian Simpson highlighted the significant two-year delay in bringing the case to court, a matter noted by Judge Geraint Walters.
The judge adjourned sentencing to allow for pre-sentence reports to be prepared for both defendants. Addressing John and Jenkins, Judge Walters said: “These offences are always serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence, but the final decision will rest with the sentencing judge.”
Both men were re-admitted to bail and will return to court for sentencing on February 13.
The Herald will provide updates on this case as they emerge.
DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a domestic burglary which occurred at an address in Precelly Place, Milford Haven, on Wednesday (Apr 23).
Officers hand-delivered letters to residents in the area on Thursday (Apr 24), appealing for information that may assist with the investigation.
No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.
A MAN from St Davids is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse, including physical assault and coercive control, spanning more than two years.
Ryan Bowen, aged 44, of Nun Street, appeared in court accused of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner between August 2019 and January 2022.
Bowen is alleged to have physically assaulted the woman by slamming a car door on her leg, punching her in the ribs, and pushing her. The court also heard he verbally abused her, belittled her as a mother, and threatened to kill her.
It is further alleged he controlled her finances, dictated what she wore, where she could sleep, and where she was allowed to work.
Prosecutors also claimed he threatened to take her children away and told her he would kill himself if she ever left him.
Bowen has denied the charges.
Judge Paul Thomas KC asked defence barrister Dyfed Thomas whether his client would consider pleading guilty to any lesser charges. Mr Thomas responded that Bowen was “adamant” the allegations were untrue and would not be changing his plea.
A trial has been listed for December 9. Bowen was granted bail until that date.
POLICE are investigating the theft of a motorbike from the A470 near Storey Arms, close to Brecon.
The Lexmoto LXR, described as blue and silver in colour, was awaiting recovery when it was stolen sometime between 9:00pm on Tuesday (Apr 8) and 11:00am on Wednesday (Apr 9).
Officers are appealing to anyone who was travelling along the A470 during that time and may have seen anything suspicious.
Dash cam footage could be especially helpful to the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via:
| Online form
| 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk
| 101
Quote reference: 25*307219
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