News

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

Published

3 years 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.

Crime

Former murder suspect released as police widen Ann Widdecombe investigation

Published

18 minutes ago

July 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Detectives say inquiry is moving “at a significant pace” after 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder is ruled out

THE MURDER investigation into the death of former Conservative minister and Reform UK campaigner Ann Widdecombe has taken a dramatic new turn after the only suspect arrested in the case was released from custody and eliminated from police enquiries.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed early on Saturday morning (July 11) that the 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday is “no longer part of the investigation”.

The development leaves detectives searching for the person responsible for the death of the 78-year-old former MP, who was found dead with serious injuries at her home on Dartmoor.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said detectives remained focused on identifying those responsible.

He said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.

“Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Last known movements emerge

New details have also emerged about Widdecombe’s final known communications.

The former minister appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday morning, discussing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Later that day she was reportedly due to take part in a video interview for a Channel 5 current affairs programme.

According to reports, a researcher exchanged messages with Widdecombe shortly after midday, with her final known response received at 12.19pm.

A further message sent shortly before a scheduled Zoom interview went unanswered.

Television presenter Dan Walker later revealed that concerns were raised after Widdecombe failed to join the programme and stopped responding to messages.

The information has since been passed to police as part of the investigation.

Found with serious injuries

Police were called to Widdecombe’s home, known as Widdecombe’s Rest, in the village of Haytor on the edge of Dartmoor, at around 11.40am on Thursday after concerns were raised.

Officers attended alongside the ambulance service and discovered Widdecombe had suffered serious injuries and had died at the scene.

Her death was initially announced publicly on Friday morning by her management team, which at the time made no mention of suspicious circumstances.

However, just hours later, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team had launched a murder inquiry.

A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot on Friday afternoon before being released overnight.

Police presence remains

A large police cordon remains in place around the property, with forensic officers continuing examinations throughout Saturday.

Road closures are still in force around the scene while officers carry out house-to-house enquiries and review CCTV and other evidence.

Police have stressed there is currently no indication the incident was politically motivated and it is not being treated as terrorism-related.

Mr Longman said the investigation was still in its early stages but was progressing rapidly.

“We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened,” he said.

Tributes continue

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the political spectrum.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the death as “really shocking news” and said he had spoken with political leaders including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the circumstances “extremely distressing” and urged the public to avoid speculation.

In Wales, Reform UK Wales described Widdecombe as “a true patriot and a fierce champion of Brexit”.

Senedd members Laura Anne Jones and Llŷr Powell also paid tribute, while former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: “You always knew where you stood with Ann.”

Community in shock

Residents in Haytor have spoken of their disbelief at events in what is normally regarded as one of Devon’s safest rural communities.

Neighbour Christine Maloney said locals frequently left doors and cars unlocked.

“It’s very, very safe around here,” she said. “I leave my car open, I leave my front door open – not now.”

Another resident, Simon Gilbert, said: “She didn’t deserve to die like that.”

Widdecombe moved to the property in 2008 after retiring from Parliament, naming it Widdecombe’s Rest because, she said at the time, it would be “the rest of my life”.

Police have appealed for anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV from the Haytor area to contact officers immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police quoting the incident.

Crime

Three more arrested after 18-year-old dies in Gorseinon crash

Published

17 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Five people are now in custody following a collision involving a car and an off-road motorcycle

THREE more men have been arrested after an 18-year-old died following a collision between a car and an off-road motorcycle in Gorseinon.

South Wales Police were called to Pen Cae Crwn Road at around 12:58pm on Thursday, where the teenager, who is believed to have been from Swansea, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second man, aged 19, was taken to hospital with injuries.

Two 18-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday.

Police confirmed on Friday that a further three arrests had been made.

A 33-year-old man from Gorseinon was arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 38-year-old man from Gowerton and a 38-year-old man from Mount Pleasant were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The latest arrests bring the total number of people detained in connection with the investigation to five.

Several roads in the area remained closed on Friday morning while officers continued their investigation.

Cordons had been removed from some streets, although traffic cones, road signs and police tape remained at the roadside.

Gorseinon Rugby Club chairman Ian Murphy said the local community had been left in “deep shock”.

He said: “For youngsters to get involved in a tragedy like this is shocking and disturbing, very disturbing for us all.

“Everybody was talking about it. All the roads were closed by police and ambulances, so it took a while for it to sink in what was going on.

“We were aware that there might have been a chase involving a car and a motorbike, and the full tragedy unfolded from there.”

South Wales Police has not confirmed the circumstances leading up to the collision, and enquiries remain ongoing.

Health

Hywel Dda patients waited average of 64 weeks for hip surgery

Published

18 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Freedom of Information figures show more than 1,600 patients remained on the health board’s hip replacement waiting list in May

PATIENTS awaiting elective hip replacement surgery under Hywel Dda University Health Board waited an average of 450 days during the 2025/26 financial year, according to newly released figures.

The average wait was equivalent to just over 64 weeks, significantly longer than the treatment times set out under Welsh NHS targets.

The figures were obtained through a Freedom of Information request submitted to the health board by private healthcare marketplace My Medical Gateway.

In Wales, the stated aim is for 95% of patients to begin treatment within 26 weeks of referral, with no patient waiting longer than 36 weeks.

Hywel Dda confirmed that 1,608 patients were on its waiting list for hip replacement surgery as of May 28, 2026.

The health board also said 16 patients had been removed from the waiting list during the 2025/26 financial year after choosing to undergo treatment privately.

Hip replacement surgery is most commonly offered to people experiencing severe pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, often after other treatments such as physiotherapy, pain relief, injections and lifestyle changes have failed to provide sufficient relief.

Sara Gezdari, Head of Investor Relations at My Medical Gateway, said prolonged waits could have a serious effect on patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing.

She said: “Many people join NHS waiting lists after already spending months or years attempting to manage their condition through physiotherapy, pain relief medication, injections and lifestyle modifications.

“By the time surgery is recommended, they are often already struggling. The true impact of waiting is measured not in weeks but in declining quality of life.”

She said patients waiting for surgery could experience increasing pain, disrupted sleep, reduced mobility, loss of independence, social isolation and worsening mental health.

Long waits could also have financial consequences, particularly for people whose employment relies on physical mobility.

Ms Gezdari added: “Many patients continue working despite severe symptoms. As pain worsens, productivity often falls. Some reduce their hours. Others leave work entirely.

“The consequences can be particularly significant for self-employed individuals who depend upon physical mobility to earn a living.”

My Medical Gateway said private hip replacement surgery in the UK typically costs between £12,549 and £14,950.

The company, which connects UK patients with private hospitals in the European Union, said the average price offered by many European providers was approximately £9,088.

However, travelling abroad for medical treatment can involve additional considerations, including travel costs, insurance, post-operative care and arrangements if complications arise.

The Freedom of Information response was returned by Hywel Dda University Health Board on June 8, 2026.