A WEST WALES man who tied up a family and robbed them at knifepoint in their own home has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Larry Black, aged 38, from Swansea was one of two masked men who forced their way into a house in Llansamlet, brandishing a hammer and knives. The pair subjected the family to a terrifying ordeal, tying them up before stealing £500 in cash and a set of car keys.

Black, who has refused to reveal the identity of his accomplice, was caught following a detailed investigation by South Wales Police detectives. Officers tracked him down after gathering forensic and witness evidence linking him to the scene.

Despite the seriousness of the offence, the court heard that Black has shown no remorse for his actions and has declined to cooperate with police efforts to identify the second suspect.

He was handed an extended 13-year sentence, which includes time in custody and on licence, in recognition of the danger he poses to the public.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victims, who were targeted in the safety of their own home. Thanks to the work of our officers, a dangerous individual is now off the streets.”

Anyone with information about the second suspect involved in the robbery is urged to contact South Wales Police.

ALEX CAMPBELL fractured his partner’s eye socket after she told him to cut down on drinking—then trashed a pub two days later.

Swansea Crown Court heard the 29-year-old had been staying at his partner’s home in Hakin on March 5, as he had nowhere else to go. When she returned at around 8:30pm, Campbell was drunk and watching television.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson said the woman suggested he shouldn’t be drinking so much. The pair began to argue, and Campbell punched her in the face.

The next morning, the victim noticed double vision and went to hospital, where doctors found she had suffered a fractured eye socket.

Just two days later, Campbell was involved in a heated row with another man inside Legends Tavern in Johnston. He knocked a glass and candle holder from a table, smashing them, before hurling a chair at a wall-mounted television. As he left the pub, he punched an outdoor light, breaking it.

Later the same day, police were called to a home in Johnston where Campbell had been seen banging on a door and using a broken plant pot in an apparent attempt to force entry.

When officers arrived, they instructed Campbell to show his hands. Instead, he reached into his pocket. Fearing he may be armed, an officer grabbed him. During the struggle, the officer suffered scratches to his face and chin.

A search of Campbell uncovered three diazepam tablets.

Campbell, who is of no fixed address, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm, criminal damage, assaulting an emergency worker, and possession of a Class C drug. The court heard he had 12 previous convictions for 21 offences.

In mitigation, Ashanti-Jade Walton said Campbell was “deeply ashamed” and had reached “an all-time low”.

“At the heart of this is someone who recognises he has problems,” she said. “This time, something has clicked—he knows he has to change.”

Judge Catherine Richards handed down a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. Campbell must also complete an alcohol abstinence monitoring programme and attend an accredited rehabilitation course.

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been found not guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

RICHARD MURRAY, aged 46, of Hill Street, had faced three charges relating to an incident in Narberth in August 2022.

He was accused of orally raping a woman, sexually assaulting her by touching without consent, and causing her to engage in sexual activity against her will.

Murray denied all the allegations.

After just over an hour of deliberation, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all counts.

Murray was released from the dock and expressed his thanks to the jury as he left the courtroom.

Judge Paul Thomas KC thanked the jury before discharging them.