News
Crime gang supplying Pembrokeshire drug dealers jailed for 20 years
FOUR members of an organised crime group (OCG) involved in a large-scale drug operation in west Wales have been jailed for a total of 20 years.
The group, led by the Leyson family, supplied cocaine (Class A) and cannabis (Class B) drugs in multi-kilo quantities, supplying to sub dealers in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and parts of Swansea.
Stephen Leyson, aged 55, of Pibwr Farm, Capel Dewi, Carmarthen, was convicted of possession of a firearm, conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs following a two-week trial at Swansea Crown Court.
Also convicted following trial were his wife Lynne, aged 51, and their son Samson, aged 22, also of Pibwr Farm, for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, and family associate 50-year-old Andrew Jenkins, of North Hill Road, Mount Pleasant, Swansea, for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.
They were arrested following a warrant at their Pibwr Farm base in October 2021, when officers found 592g of cocaine with a street value of between £47,760 and £60,200, 1.4kg of cannabis with a street value of approximately £15,615, £17,190 in cash and a semi-automatic pistol.
The gun was derived from an Italian model “Kimar 85 Auto” which is a 9mm self-loading semi-automatic pistol. It is also understood to be the first semi-automatic handgun located and seized in the Dyfed-Powys Police area.
The subsequent investigation led officers to two further people, Ritchie Coleman, aged 33, and Emma Calver-Roberts, aged 32, both of Vetch Close, Pembroke, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs.
At Swansea Crown Court this afternoon Stephen Leyson was sentenced to 11 years, Samson Leyson six years, Ritchie Coleman two years and four months and Andrew Jenkins nine months.
Lynne Leyson did not attend court and will be sentenced next month.
At today’s hearing the judge ordered a pre-sentence report for Emma Calver-Roberts, who will now be sentenced next month.
Senior investigating officer DCI Rhys Jones said: “We welcome today’s sentencing which is the result of a lengthy and intensive investigation, and I would like to thank all the officers and support staff involved for their perseverance and commitment to the case.
“The Leyson family are an organised crime group who tried to make a quick buck by selling large quantities of cocaine and cannabis to sub dealers across south west Wales.
“We hope this case sends a clear message that we are continuously working to disrupt the supply of illegal substances in our force area and will prosecute anyone who tries to spread their misery through our communities for financial gain.
“We would like to reassure the public that we will continue to act on any information received about the supply of drugs.”
The £17,190 seized following the warrant will now be subject to Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing along with high-value personal items seized during the warrant.
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.
The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.
This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.
For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.
Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.
Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.
Charity
£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.
They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.
The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.
Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.
Community
Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success
NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.
Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.
The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.
A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.
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