Crime

Three men jailed for kidnapping and assault in elaborate plot

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2025

THREE men have been sentenced to eight years and one month each after luring a man to a remote location in west Wales, where they kidnapped and assaulted him in a carefully orchestrated scheme.

Mohammad Comrie, 22, of Leeds; Faiz Shah, 22, of Bradford; and Elijah Ogunnubi-Sime, 20, of Croydon, deceived a London-based music producer into travelling to Carmarthenshire on August 26, 2024, under the false pretense of attending a music recording camp. Once there, the victim was subjected to significant violence and restrained with handcuffs.

The perpetrators had arranged the trip using a fabricated music production and recording company, leading the victim to believe he was meeting fellow musicians for a legitimate session.

While his captors were out of the room, the victim managed to escape by lifting his handcuffed hands over a pole to free himself. He fled the property and was later taken to hospital with injuries to his face and head.

The three men attempted to evade capture but were found hiding in fields near the property in Brynteg, Llanybydder. Police responded swiftly, deploying significant resources, including a helicopter, to locate them following reports of an assault.

All three were arrested and later charged. They pleaded guilty to kidnapping on the first day of their trial at Swansea Crown Court on February 18. Additional charges of unlawful wounding and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent were ordered to lie on file.

Inspector Gareth Jones, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer, said: “This offence has had a profound and lasting impact on the victim and his family. It was a meticulously planned crime, involving false identities and deception.

“Early messages between the defendants revealed their ultimate intention to kidnap the victim. Their motive appeared two-fold: to extort money from him and to act on political and racial motivations.

“I commend the investigative team for their determination and professionalism, as well as the officers who carried out an extensive and difficult search to locate the defendants and recover crucial evidence. Securing justice for the victim has remained our priority.

“I also extend my gratitude to the Community Security Trust (CST) for providing the victim with vital psychological and emotional support.

“Today’s sentences reflect the severity of this crime and the ordeal suffered by the victim. We hope this outcome brings him a sense of justice, and we thank him for his bravery and patience throughout this investigation.”

Crime

Carmarthen man cleared of child sex assault charge

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A MAN from Carmarthen has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a child following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Stephen Boswell, aged 32, of Brynhaul Street, had been accused of assaulting a girl by penetration during an alleged incident said to have taken place in St Clears between 2010 and 2013.

Boswell denied the allegation and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

During the trial, the prosecution alleged that Boswell had warned the girl the act “was going to hurt but she would get used to it” before the alleged assault took place. When asked in court whether he had sexually touched the child, Boswell responded: “No, I did not.”

Defence barrister Dyfed Thomas said Boswell had given “a clear and consistent denial” from the outset. He also highlighted inconsistencies in the complainant’s account and differences in the evidence presented by witnesses.

The court was told Boswell had no previous convictions and had fully cooperated with police during their investigation, answering all questions in interview.

After deliberating for approximately 50 minutes, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

Judge Paul Thomas KC thanked the jury for their careful consideration of the case. Boswell was discharged from the dock.

Crime

Police appeal after burglary in Milford Haven

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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.

Crime

St Davids man accused of abuse and coercive control

Published

4 days ago

April 23, 2025

Court Reporter

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.