Crime

Milford couple were out drug dealing, whilst child, 10, slept at home alone

Published

2 months ago

March 3, 2024

SWANSEA CROWN COURT heard this week that a Pembrokeshire couple were dealing large amounts of cannabis and cocaine. It was said in court that they were out in their car doing their illegal activities, even as their ten-year-old child slept home alone.

Rhian Warlow and Daniel Davies were exposed by their extravagant purchases, paid for with proceeds from the sale of the drugs.

Among the luxury items acquired were Rolex and Royal Oak timepieces, diamond-studded jewellery, and a BMW key ring embellished with a diamond.

The couple were intercepted by police while driving on the A477 towards Milford Haven on the afternoon of December 29, last year. This followed intelligence suggesting their vehicle’s association with drug dealing.

Upon being stopped, Warlow and Davies claimed to have been patronising B&Q in Carmarthen. However, a thorough search of their vehicle unveiled a concealed 493 gram block of cocaine in the boot’s panel, valued at approximately £61,000.

Subsequent to their arrest at the site, Warlow disclosed that her daughter was left unattended at home.

Police, attending her residence, discovered her 10-year-old daughter asleep amidst a noticeable odour of cannabis.

Further investigation revealed four bags of cannabis weighing a total of 921 grams, worth in excess of £10,000, alongside scattered cash amounting to £1,255 in a cardboard box, £679 in loose notes and change, and £260 in notes within the bedroom.

The prosecution detailed Warlow’s indulgence in various luxury goods funded by their illicit activities. Analysis of Davies’ mobile phone messages exposed his frequent drug dealings, often in ounces and sometimes in kilograms, with Warlow implicated as both his driver and financial beneficiary. Notably, she too was involved in orchestrating transactions independently.

***The couple holidayed in Fira, Santorini, Greece***

Davies, previously convicted twice for six offences, the latest in 2007, and Warlow, with a single conviction in 2009, expressed remorse through their legal representatives.

Davies, 35, from Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, lamented involving Warlow, acknowledging the detrimental effect on her familial relationships.

Warlow, 31, from Gelliswick Road, Hakin, exhibited regret, particularly for the repercussions on her bond with her children, attributing her actions to naivety.

Both pleaded guilty to charges of possessing with intent to supply and concerning themselves in the supply of both cocaine and cannabis.

Recorder Barry Clarke sentenced Davies to three years of imprisonment, while Warlow received a two-year suspended sentence, mandating 200 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation activities.

The prosecution announced plans to pursue the confiscation of their criminal profits under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Crime

Police appeal following assault outside Haverfordwest store

Published

11 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an assault that happened outside B&M stores, Haverfordwest, at about 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 23.

The suspect is described as a teenage male wearing a balaclava and a cast on his wrist. He is believed to have left the location in a silver car.

The victim did not sustain any injuries.

The police have asked for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to get in touch with PC 1296 Clarke, either by:

| https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline

| [email protected]

| Direct message us on social media

| 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote ref: 24*369339

Crime

Businessman to stand trial for assault and strangulation

Published

12 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST businessman is to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court in September after denying charges of assaulting and strangling a woman

Appearing from custody, Oliver Torkington, 38, of Pembroke Road, appeared at the court for a plea hearing on April 26 where he pleaded not guilty.

Torkington is alleged to have assaulted a woman in St Clears on March 23, causing her actual bodily harm.

He is also accused of strangling her.

Crime

Arrested Pembroke Dock man jailed after hospital escape attempt

Published

17 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Ashley Rickard, claimed he was entitled to flee custody at Withybush Hospital, believing he hadn’t committed the alleged offences.

IB a dramatic turn of events at Withybush Hospital, Pembroke Dock resident Ashley Rickard, 26, of Elizabeth Court, made a failed bid for freedom, resulting in a 27-week prison sentence. The incident occurred shortly after Rickard, who was under arrest for a series of alleged crimes, managed to break free from his handcuffs.

Prosecutor Georgia Donohue detailed the events leading up to the escape during the trial. Rickard had been apprehended at his grandmother’s home on December 4, suspected of offences that included burglary, making threats to kill, and criminal damage. Following his arrest, Rickard complained of ingesting a substance, believed to be Valium, which necessitated medical attention at Withybush Hospital.

While at the hospital, despite being handcuffed and flanked by police, Rickard succeeded in freeing one hand and fled as he was escorted through the hospital doors. His flight took him across the car park and into a nearby housing estate, though he was captured the following day hiding at his grandmother’s residence.

Defence barrister Harry Dickens conveyed Rickard’s belief that he had been wrongfully detained, claiming this perception fueled his decision to escape. However, Judge Paul Thomas KC dismissed this justification, stating, “If everyone did that there would be chaos. Anarchy would ensue.”

Despite the dramatic circumstances, Rickard’s escape was described by Mr. Dickens as “not a sophisticated attempt,” noting that Rickard had acted alone and returned to a familiar location.

On the day set for his trial, Rickard pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody, a plea accepted by the prosecution as witnesses for the other charges were not supportive. The court subsequently entered formal not guilty verdicts for the remaining allegations.

The episode has reignited discussions on the security measures in place for handling detainees at medical facilities and the broader implications of individuals taking justice into their own hands.