Crime

Trio jailed after police find cocaine stash in Pembroke Dock

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2025

A GROUP of men caught with a significant quantity of cocaine during a late-night police stop in Pembroke Dock have been sentenced to a total of nine years and four months behind bars.

Swansea Crown Court heard that officers stopped a vehicle near the Ferry Lane industrial estate at around 2:00am on November 16. Inside were Akmaal Elsiddiq, Toby Thomas, and Zain Habib, with police detecting the scent of cannabis as they approached.

Thomas, from Three Meadows in Haverfordwest, admitted he had used cannabis earlier that evening, while Elsiddiq was found carrying 3.5 grams of the drug. A search of the car uncovered approximately 70 grams of cocaine, three mobile phones, drug-related items, and £245.08 in cash.

Further inquiries led officers to Thomas’ residence, where they discovered a plastic container holding 26 grams of white powder. In total, law enforcement seized 99.94 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £10,094.

Elsiddiq, who had previous convictions including robbery and drug offences, was already serving a suspended sentence at the time of his arrest. Thomas, 24, had been convicted of drug-driving in the past, while 19-year-old Habib had no prior offences.

All three defendants pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possessing criminal property. Additionally, Elsiddiq admitted to cannabis possession and breaching a suspended sentence.

Defence counsel for Elsiddiq, Ashanti-Jade Walton, said his troubled upbringing and lack of stable housing had contributed to his involvement in crime. Jon Tarrant, representing Thomas, told the court that his client had been deeply addicted to cocaine but was now attempting to turn his life around. Mr Edwards, defending Habib, argued that his client had been pressured into participating in an already-established drug operation.

Sentencing the men, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You were all well aware of the consequences of selling Class A drugs, yet you chose to take that gamble.”

Elsiddiq received a four-year, four-month prison term, which included the activation of his suspended sentence. Thomas was sentenced to two years and nine months, while Habib was jailed for two years and four months.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

6 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

8 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.