News

Director of Tenby-based company played ‘significant’ role in £428,000 cocaine conspiracy

Published

1 year ago

June 27, 2023

JAMES WELCH a successful businessman and director of Tenby-Based Proseal Roofing Ltd, a company that generated over £4 million in revenue last year, has been implicated in a conspiracy to supply cocaine with a street value of £428,000. The elaborate drug ring was brought down when vigilant police officers intercepted a taxi driver who was found in possession of 3kg of cocaine.

Welch, aged 46 and hailing from Swansea, played a pivotal role in the illicit operation, working in tandem with Marianne McGuinness, a 41-year-old woman who allowed her flat in Cardiff to be used as a safehouse for drug distribution. The duo maintained extensive communication via seized mobile phones, which the police managed to apprehend.

During the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, details emerged of the operation’s unraveling. On November 6, 2018, law enforcement officials observed taxi driver Lee McCarthy pulling up in a black Mercedes outside McGuinness’s residence in Radyr, De Clare Drive, around 4:20 PM. McCarthy stayed inside the vehicle while McGuinness emerged from her flat, leaning into the car to hand over a green package.

**James Welch and Marianne McGuinness** (Image: South Wales Police)

Shortly after the exchange, McCarthy was followed by the police and subsequently detained on Michaelston Road in Ely. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered a green Co-op bag in the passenger seat footwell, concealing black plastic-wrapped items. These packages contained three blocks of white powder, each weighing approximately 1kg, marked with the initials “BBVA.”

Prosecutor Roger Griffiths revealed that the cocaine blocks possessed a purity ranging from 77% to 80%. While their wholesale value amounted to £90,000 to £120,000, their street value skyrocketed to £342,000 to £428,000.

The package was promptly confiscated, leading to McCarthy’s arrest. Forensic analysis of the package’s wrapping uncovered a DNA profile that matched McGuinness. Subsequently, McGuinness was apprehended as well, and evidence from her phones exposed Welch’s involvement in the drug conspiracy.

The next arrest linked to the operation occurred on January 10, 2019, when 41-year-old Hassun Salim was observed collecting money on behalf of Welch. Salim was seen leaving his residence on Penhevad Street, Grangetown, entering a Volkswagen taxi, and driving to Merches Gardens. After disembarking the taxi, Salim walked to a garage on Clare Road and emerged five minutes later with a black bag.

Salim proceeded to Schooner Way, where he transferred the bag to another nearby vehicle before attempting to leave the area. However, law enforcement authorities swiftly intervened, apprehending Salim. The black bag was found to contain an astonishing £142,580, while Salim claimed he had been paid £1,000 for his collection services.

On June 26, 2019, Welch was arrested outside his workplace in Baglan following the revelations obtained from McGuinness’s phone, where she had threatened to expose Welch to the authorities during an argument. Although a laptop, iPhone, and an EncroChat device were seized from Welch, investigators were unable to access the contents of the latter. During his police interview, Welch exercised his right to remain silent but maintained that he and McGuinness were merely “friends” who occasionally met for coffee.

The legal proceedings surrounding the complex case were marked by numerous challenges, including the initial trial’s postponement in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Delays were further compounded by difficulties encountered with Welch’s legal fees and the unavailability of the investigating officer due to an injury.

However, at the beginning of 2023, Welch, residing in Frederick Place, Llansamlet, Swansea, and McGuinness both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a controlled Class A drug. Salim pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property. During the court hearing, it was revealed that Welch had four prior convictions related to drug trafficking, while McGuinness had a previous conviction for possession with intent to supply mephedrone. Salim, on the other hand, had no previous criminal record.

In an attempt to mitigate the severity of the charges against Welch, Archangelo Power, his defense counsel, highlighted his client’s role as the director of Proseal Roofing Ltd, which had achieved remarkable success with an annual revenue of £4 million and employed 55 individuals. Power further emphasized that Welch was the sole caregiver of his young daughter following his wife’s tragic demise. During the case’s protracted delay, Welch had sought treatment for ADHD, found stability in a new relationship, and steered his business toward unprecedented triumph.

Tim Petrides, representing McGuinness, argued that his client was a single mother grappling with financial hardships and desperately trying to provide for her children. Petrides acknowledged that although McGuinness could have pursued alternative means, she had inadvertently succumbed to Welch’s influence and allowed her residence to serve as a safehouse.

In Salim’s defense, Ben Waidhofer maintained that his client occupied a distinct position among the co-defendants, warranting consideration for a suspended custodial sentence. Waidhofer cited Salim’s employment and the dependent individuals relying on him.

The case’s culmination in court was met with shock and dismay, underscoring the involvement of prominent individuals in criminal activities and the far-reaching consequences of drug conspiracies. As the legal proceedings progress, the court faces the weighty responsibility of determining appropriate sentences for the defendants involved in this sophisticated cocaine supply network.

Community

Baby loss remembrance service at Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE ANNUAL baby loss remembrance service will take place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 at St Luke’s Chapel in Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest at 7.00pm.

The ‘Forget Me Not’ service is part of the health board’s commitment to Baby Loss Awareness week (9-15 October) and is arranged by Midwifery and Bereavement teams and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy).

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Experiencing the loss of a baby is an incredibly painful experience, and the service allows parents and their families to reflect and remember surrounded by support and love.

The service has long been a source of comfort for parents and families and will include prayers and readings, as well as poems and music to reflect. The service offers the opportunity for people to come together and remember the lives of babies who are sadly no longer with us.

Euryl Howells continued: “The loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is overwhelming and emotional. We meet families during some of their darkest days and to meet them sometimes after months or years after their bereavement is a privilege and special to staff.”

Should you require further information please contact Euryl Howells by telephone or email 01267 227563 or [email protected]

If you are unable to attend the service and wish to commemorate your loved one, please send a message to [email protected] by 29 September 2024.

Community

Pure West Radio gears up for DAB launch

Published

5 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PURE West Radio is poised to enter a new era in its six-year history as it counts down to the launch of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) later this autumn. The station is awaiting the activation of five transmitters, which will enable DAB to broadcast extensively across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. This move is set to significantly enhance Pure West Radio’s listener base and deliver an exceptional radio sound quality.

Toby Ellis, Pure West’s director, expressed his excitement about this milestone. “This is a very exciting time for Pure West Radio as it means we’re now going to be able to continue to expand in so many different directions,” he said. “Our biggest focus has always been the people who listen to us and who’ve grown with us since we first launched back in April 2018. The way in which we’re now moving forward is due to the hard work and commitment that this dedicated team has shown.”

***PWR Director Toby Ellis (Image: Facebook)***

The station, which has been a key part of the Pembrokeshire community since its inception, boasts a workforce of 13 people, including presenters, producers, journalists, and sales personnel. Additionally, it benefits from a strong voluntary sector comprising over 100 members, contributing to its hybrid working model. This approach allows the station to maintain a strong community commitment while ensuring commercial viability.

“Our move to DAB will enable more people to remain connected to our platform as we continue delivering interviews, local news, information, and of course, a whole load of quality music,” Ellis added. Pure West Radio has grown rapidly, reaching over 500,000 people across its platforms each month. During the COVID-19 crisis, it played a crucial role in providing up-to-date information in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council.

The station, which celebrated its third birthday recently, has seen two million listens since its start, with an average of 50,000 listens per week. This audience engagement is approaching nearly half of the population of Pembrokeshire. The upcoming DAB launch marks a significant development for the station, allowing it to reach a wider audience and continue its mission of delivering local news, community events, and music to its listeners.

Pure West Radio has close links to the Herald, with its Director, Toby Ellis, General Manager Mathew Rickard and its Head of News, Sarah Jane-Absalom all having previously worked at The Pembrokeshire Herald or Herald Radio.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair said: “Everyone at The Herald wishes Toby and the team the best of luck with this important milestone.

“Getting on the airwaves is what Pure West Radio needs to take it to the next level and we are very proud of what the PWR team have achieved over the last few years.”

Those interested in becoming part of the radio station can get more information by emailing [email protected].

The official DAB launch date will be announced in the near future, Pure West Radio said.

Crime

West Wales teenager sentenced for terrorism offences and assault

Published

6 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A 19-YEAR OLD male from west Wales appeared before Winchester Crown Court today (Thursday, September 19, 2024) after pleading guilty to terrorism offences and an assault that was motivated by and demonstrating hostility towards the victim based on her transgender identity.

Alex Hutton, from Swansea, who has previously been convicted of offences under the Terrorism Act was arrested in November last year after South Wales Police received a report from a member of the public stating they had viewed a video on Hutton’s Instagram in which he claims to have kicked an unidentified person in the head. The video also contained far right imagery.

Hutton has been sentenced to ten years and four months in prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: “We welcome the outcome of this case. Alex Hutton, motivated by hate, engaged in a horrendous and unprovoked attack on a defenceless young girl who was minding her own business one afternoon in a Swansea park in May 2023.

“There is no doubt that the attack will have lasting effects on this young person and I really hope today’s outcome provides her with some comfort.

“Furthermore, Hutton demonstrated a clear intention to spread his hatred across the internet encouraging acts of terrorism. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales uncovered his actions during a detailed investigation, which then led us to the assault that took place earlier in the year.

“I hope he now uses the time in custody to reflect on his actions, with a view to leading a far more productive life upon his eventual release.”

Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Alex Hutton is not simply a fantasist that held extreme views, he is a dangerous young man.

“His unprovoked attack was driven by hate and he poses a substantial risk to other groups and society as a whole.

“He celebrated terrorist acts of white supremacy and encouraged his friends and associates on various social media and messaging platforms to join him in his extreme and disturbing views.

“The CPS will always prosecute those who encourage acts of terrorism and hate to protect the public.”

Chief Inspector Lindsey Sweeney from South Wales Police said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this investigation, a case which involved a senseless, violent Hate Crime. We want to reassure the community that this behaviour will never be tolerated in our area, and the perpetrators will be swiftly identified, arrested and duly sent to prison.

“Here in Swansea, we have a great multicultural city which has been demonstrated by a series of fantastic events involving the whole community in recent weeks and months. At South Wales Police, we work every day to ensure that the city is a safe and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.”

Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should act on their instincts and call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999. Visit gov.uk/ACT for more information, including how to report extremist or terrorist content that is online.