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Teens who thought they were ‘big men’ jailed for drug and gun conspiracy

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TWO teenage drug dealers have been jailed after being caught transporting thousands of pounds worth of cocaine into Pembrokeshire and conspiring to obtain a firearm.

Harrison Billing, 19, and Danhiellen Raji, also 19, appeared at Swansea Crown Court, along with 37-year-old John Phillips, facing multiple drug-related charges.

Prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton described how on February 12, police intercepted a Nissan Juke heading into Pembrokeshire following a tip-off. Officers discovered 253 grams of cocaine, valued at over £20,500, in a container at Billing’s feet, alongside a large knife near Raji.

Billing had business cards listing drug prices and quantities, bearing the message: “Thank you for supporting our small business. We do appreciate it.”

Messages found on Billing’s phone showed extensive drug activity, including a bid of “£40,000 upfront” to secure cocaine and discussions directing drug couriers. Raji’s phone similarly revealed drug-related content, including images showing him holding large sums of cash.

Investigators also uncovered messages between Billing and Raji attempting to acquire a gun, with Billing offering an additional £1,000 for quick delivery.

A search of Phillips’ home in Steynton uncovered cannabis and cocaine, though Phillips claimed he was being exploited due to his vulnerabilities and did not profit financially.

In a separate incident from December 27, Billing was involved in a high-speed police chase in Milford Haven, driving his Mercedes at 70mph in a 30mph zone before crashing into railings at Hamilton Terrace. Police found around 70 grams of cocaine worth £4,250, cash, and multiple mobile phones.

Billing had previously directed another man, Dylan Brown, 20, of Milford Haven, who was jailed for 18 months earlier this year after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

Billing and Raji pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, involvement in cocaine supply, and conspiracy to acquire a firearm. Billing further admitted dangerous driving, possession of criminal property, and driving uninsured. Raji also admitted possession of a knife.

Sentencing the pair, Judge Huw Rees remarked: “If you think playing the big men in supplying Class A drugs is the answer, you are very much mistaken.”

Billing was sentenced to four years and two months detention, Raji received three years and nine months, while Phillips received an 18-month sentence suspended for 18 months, alongside 180 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activities.

 

Crime

Theft case over Tresaith beach items discontinued in court

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A THEFT case relating to items taken from a Pembrokeshire beach has been discontinued at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Gryffydd Morgan, aged 52, of Bro Arth, near Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, had been due to stand trial in connection with alleged thefts at Tresaith Beach.

Morgan had denied two charges of theft, contrary to the Theft Act 1968.

The court previously heard that the allegations related to incidents on July 18, 2025, when it was claimed that a tent and a deck chair belonging to Clare Marshall had been stolen.

A second charge alleged that a tent belonging to Beverly Walker had also been taken on the same date.

Morgan had entered not guilty pleas to both charges at an earlier hearing.

However, when the case returned to court on Friday (Mar 27), the prosecution offered no evidence.

As a result, magistrates formally dismissed both charges.

No further details were given in court as to why the case had been discontinued.

 

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West Wales man remanded in custody over serious sexual assault charge

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A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with a serious sexual offence alongside a number of other alleged offences.

Lyndon Robinson, aged 32, of no fixed abode, appeared before magistrates on Friday (Mar 27).

Robinson is charged with assault by penetration, contrary to Section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The court heard that the allegation relates to an incident on December 11, 2025, in Wales, during which it is alleged that Robinson intentionally penetrated the vagina of a woman with his finger without her consent and without a reasonable belief that she was consenting.

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity.

The court was also told that Robinson faces additional charges, including intentional strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and harassment causing fear of violence, relating to the same complainant.

No pleas were entered during the hearing.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.

Robinson was remanded in custody.

Bail was refused on the grounds of the nature and seriousness of the offences, the risk of further offending, the risk of causing injury or fear of injury to an associated person, and the risk of interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.

Robinson is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Monday, April 27, at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

 

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Entertainment

Moby Dick returns to Fishguard as festival secures £44,300 grant

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A CELEBRATION of one of Hollywood’s most memorable moments in Pembrokeshire is set to take place this autumn, as Fishguard prepares to mark seventy years since the filming of Moby Dick.

The Ar Ymyl y Tir/On Land’s Edge Festival has secured £44,300 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to commemorate the 1956 classic, which brought global attention to Fishguard and Goodwick.

Directed by John Huston and starring Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart, Orson Welles and Leo Genn, the film used Fishguard Bay as a backdrop for scenes featuring Captain Ahab’s ship, the Pequod. Many local residents were recruited as extras, while cast and crew stayed in the Fishguard Bay Hotel and Fishguard Arms.

Memories of the production remain vivid in the community, with stories passed down over generations — including the loss of a seventy-foot model whale at sea, a Miss Fishguard dancing with Leo Genn at the Town Hall, and Gregory Peck being spotted in local shops.

Organisers say this year’s festival will bring those memories back to life while also looking to the future.

Events will include a lantern parade led by a giant model whale created by Small World Theatre, literary talks exploring the history of whaling, and an augmented reality experience placing a virtual whale in Fishguard Bay.

The project will also collect photographs, souvenirs and personal recollections from local people, alongside discussions on marine conservation, maritime heritage and changing attitudes towards whaling.

Further highlights will include a screening of Moby Dick at Theatr Gwaun, an exhibition featuring ‘Humpy’ — the humpback whale that appeared in Fishguard Bay in 2024 — and the creation of a commemorative mural.

OLE chairman Dr Patrick Thomas said the funding represented a major boost for the project.

He said: “Together we will create a joyous celebration of a remarkable episode in the history of Fishguard and Goodwick, and ensure that people’s living memories of that time are recorded and preserved for posterity.”

Cliff Benson, founder of Sea Trust Wales, said the festival would also highlight the importance of protecting marine life.

He said: “We are delighted to take part in the On Land’s Edge Festival and highlight the need to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises rather than hunt them.

“Part of our contribution will be a presentation at Theatr Gwaun exploring how attitudes around the world have shifted towards conservation.

“There will also be other contributors enhancing the festival over the weekend, which we believe will appeal to all ages, from local residents to visitors.”

The project has also received backing from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, along with local history groups Ein Hanes and Hanes Abergwaun.

Town mayor Cllr Billy Shaw welcomed the news.

He said: “This will add another fantastic festival to Fishguard and Goodwick’s growing list of events.

“Every event we hold helps promote the twin towns on both a local and national stage, and this one offers something unique that will attract visitors and locals alike.”

 

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