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Crime

20 months for woman who kept drugs hidden in a hedge

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A NORTH Pembrokeshire woman would make trips to get drugs hidden in a hedge adjoining her property, and from a blue Jewson’s bag in her front garden, as part of a UK-wide drug running operation, Swansea Crown Court heard.

Leonie James, 33, admitted being involved in conspiracy to supply cannabis as part of the Pembrokeshire- Dorset drugs ring busted earlier this year during Operation Rookley.

The court heard on Friday (Dec 16) that James’ home in Precelly Crescent, Goodwick was put under police surveillance between July last year and January 2022.

Officers witnessed drugs being delivered by couriers to the home that James shared with ringleader Shaun Lucas. The court heard that James was present at the home ‘on many occasions when such supplies were taking place’.

The drugs were then stashed outside the house, in the front garden and in a hedge adjoining a neighbouring property.

James was seen making frequent trips from the house to these stashes with these trips coinciding with visitors coming to the house to buy drugs.

The court was then given details of occasions in September last year when James had either gone to the hedge of the Jewson’s bag within minutes of a visitor arriving at the house.

“The defendant was taking drugs from the stash and being concerned in the supply to other persons,” said Jim Davies, prosecuting, saying that she had acted as Lucas’ ‘assistant’.

James had also travelled to Merseyside with Lucas in February of this year on what was described as a ‘drugs related trip’.

Mr Davies stated that the known amount of cannabis involved was in the region of 40 kilogrammes.

Police had also seized £26,000 and £15,000 from two separate couriers involved in the operation.

James was arrested on March 14 this year and gave a no comment interview before pleading not guilty to conspiracy to supply both cannabis and cocaine.

On November 24 this year James changed her plea on the cannabis charge to guilty. The crown then offered no evidence on the cocaine charge and a formal not guilty verdict was recorded.

In James’ defence it was said that she had already spent nearly five months in custody and two months with an electronic curfew.

A probation report said that there was a significant prospect of rehabilitation and a low prospect of reoffending. She had one previous conviction for driving while under the influence of cannabis and an unrelated caution going back to 2012.

“She has her own difficulties and health problems that she is battling with,” said her barrister, adding that she was a mum of four young children.

He maintained that she had a ‘lesser role and a relatively limited function under the direction of those running the operation’ and that there was a ‘degree of naivety on her part’.

“It wouldn’t be right to say that there was no influence from those above in the chain, she was in a relationship with one of them,” he said.

Judge Her Honour Catherine Richards KC said that she would not send James back to prison as ‘it would be unjust on you and those who depend on you’.

“You supported your partner in his enterprise,” she told James. “There is no evidence of an operational or controlling role. You helped supply customers and allowed drugs to be stored on your premises and handled cash when needed.

“You have spent a considerable time in prison already and time on curfew.”

Judge Richards handed down a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months with a 25 day rehabilitation requirement.

 

Crime

Carmarthenshire man admits ABH, affray and damage to police vehicle

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A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been remanded in custody after admitting a series of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, and criminal damage to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.

Justin Thomas, 33, of no fixed abode, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 6.

Thomas admitted assaulting Kayleigh Marshall in Llanelli on June 27, 2025, causing her actual bodily harm.

He also admitted criminal damage following an incident in Llanelli on June 7, 2026, when a police vehicle belonging to Dyfed-Powys Police was damaged.

On the same date, Thomas was further charged with affray, after using or threatening unlawful violence towards others in conduct which would have caused a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their safety.

He also admitted damaging a window and property fixtures belonging to Phillip’s Lane Ltd.

Magistrates committed Thomas to Swansea Crown Court for sentence, ruling that their sentencing powers were insufficient.

He was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing, which is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, July 27.

Court records state that bail was refused due to the nature and seriousness of the offences, his previous record and character, and concerns that he was likely to offend.

The court also noted that Thomas was subject to a conditional discharge for assaulting a police constable at the time the latest offences were committed.

 

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Crime

Five seriously injured in A4067 crash near Craig-y-Nos

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Child airlifted to hospital as two men arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving

FIVE people were seriously injured following a multi-vehicle collision on the A4067 near Craig-y-Nos, Powys, on Sunday evening.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:50pm on Sunday, July 5, and involved a green Ford Fiesta, a black Volkswagen Polo and a grey Vauxhall Grandland.

A five-year-old child was airlifted to hospital with injuries believed to be life-threatening. Police said the child remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Four other people were also seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver of the green Ford Fiesta, a 39-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and child neglect.

Police later identified a yellow Ford Fiesta as also being involved in the incident. Its driver, a 65-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Both men remain in police custody.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who was travelling on the A4067 near Craig-y-Nos at the time of the collision and may have dashcam footage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: DP-20260703-277

 

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Crime

Prosecution outlines ‘planned attack’ as Milford Haven teacher stabbing trial opens

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Jury hears teenager allegedly brought kitchen knife into school before teacher was stabbed in the head

THE JURY in the trial of a 15-year-old boy accused of attempting to murder a Milford Haven teacher has this afternoon heard the prosecution’s detailed account of the alleged classroom attack.

The teenager, who cannot be named because he is under 18, denies attempting to murder Vicki Williams at Milford Haven Comprehensive School on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

Opening the case at Swansea Crown Court, Christopher Rees KC told jurors that the boy had brought a large kitchen knife into school in his bag before allegedly following Miss Williams into an empty classroom shortly after 3pm.

The prosecution alleges the teacher was alone and vulnerable when the defendant entered the room and launched what Mr Rees described as a “planned and murderous attack”.

Jurors were told Miss Williams suffered a penetrating stab wound to the top of her head, as well as injuries to her hands during a struggle for the weapon. The court also heard she sustained scratches and grazes to her back.

Mr Rees told the court: “The prosecution say the defendant planned and launched a murderous attack on the teacher. He deliberately stabbed Vicki Williams in the head.”

The court heard that Miss Williams shouted for help, after which the defendant ran from the classroom.

Emergency services attended the school and Miss Williams was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. She was discharged later the same evening.

The alleged attack led to a temporary lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School and caused widespread concern among parents, pupils and staff in the town.

This morning’s proceedings included jury selection and legal discussions before the prosecution opened its case shortly after midday. A jury of 12, along with an alternate juror, has been sworn in.

The defendant denies attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding. He has previously admitted possessing a bladed article.

Matthew Roberts KC is representing the teenager. The trial is being heard before Judge Paul Thomas KC and is expected to last up to three weeks.

The court is expected to hear further evidence over the coming days about the circumstances leading up to the incident, the injuries suffered by Miss Williams, and the explanation put forward by the defence.

The trial continues.

 

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