Crime

New Year’s Day arrests lead to drug dealing confessions

Published

1 year ago

January 16, 2025

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David Singh, representing John, informed the court that his client had withdrawn his basis of plea and now accepted the prosecution’s case in full.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.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.