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

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

9 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

9 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.