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Crime

Organised Crime Group member found hiding under a pile of clothes jailed

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A OCG member, who hid from officers under a pile of clothes, has received a prison sentence of almost five years.

Rhys Jones, 21, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday 17 April, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs – heroin and burglary.

He was sentenced to four years and 10 months imprisonment.

Jones was arrested following a warrant at his address where he was found in possession of heroin with a street value of more than £25,000.

He was later caught on CCTV using a stolen bank card linking him to a burglary where a car, money and bank cards had been taken in the early hours of the morning.

The car has since been recovered.

Rhys Jones, the officer in the case, said: “Jones was arrested as part of Operation Bergen, a proactive and collaborate operation set by our Serious Organised Crime (SOC) and Neighbourhood team, to tackle serious organised crime in Rhymney and the surrounding area.

“He is a significant member of a serious organised crime group and was found in possession of vast quantities of heroin.

“We know that drug supply often has links into different types of criminal behaviour and Jones went on to commit further offences – showing his complete disregard for the criminal justice system and the community that he is a part of.

“Jones was driven by greed – selling drug to make money for the OCG and line his own pockets with no consideration for the harm and distress he caused.

“The public play a vital role by providing intelligence about drug dealing in their area and we welcome any information from our communities to help us tackle illegal activity.”

Crime

Man charged with attempted murder after child found in critical condition

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A MAN has been charged after an incident in Cardigan on Wednesday, January 15.

Police were called to an address in Y Ferwig, Cardigan, shortly before 10:15pm following a report of concerns for the welfare of an infant.

A young child was immediately taken to hospital, where they remain in a critical condition.

Rhydian Jamieson, 27, from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn, has been charged with attempted murder.

Jamieson has been remanded into custody and is set to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Monday (Jan 20).

Investigators have expressed gratitude for the support of the community while enquiries continue.

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Crime

Air ambulance called to Parc Prison as inmate suffers ‘severe medical episode’

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THE TROUBLED HMP Parc prison in Bridgend faced yet another incident today (January 18), with an air ambulance called to respond to a medical emergency involving an inmate suffering from psychosis.

According to the HMP Prisons Justice Group UK, the incident unfolded during a visitation session when the inmate, reportedly diagnosed with psychosis, experienced a severe panic attack that left him struggling to breathe. Despite prior warnings from medical professionals about his condition, it is alleged that neither G4S, the private firm managing Parc, nor Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, acted to ensure the prisoner received the treatment he urgently needed.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing, with children and visitors visibly upset. Reports suggest healthcare staff on-site intervened by administering a “salt shot” to alleviate the inmate’s breathing difficulties, but the situation escalated, leading to the inmate collapsing and requiring emergency evacuation to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for further assessment.

Parc Prison, Bridgend (Pic: Herald)

The inmate’s history reveals a troubling pattern of neglect. After a psychiatric assessment on December 13, 2024, he was diagnosed with psychosis and deemed unfit to plead during a court hearing on December 20. The court ordered his transfer to a mental health facility for treatment and anti-psychotic medication. However, as of today, the transfer had not been carried out, leaving the individual untreated for over three months while on remand.

The HMP Prisons Justice Group claims that G4S initially attempted to attribute today’s episode to drug use, a claim that has since been refuted. “When the salt shot was administered, his breathing improved, which wouldn’t have happened if it was drug-related,” the group stated. They accused G4S of using this defense to divert attention from what they describe as systemic neglect.

Campaigners are now calling for urgent reforms to prevent further incidents at Parc Prison. The facility has been plagued by controversy, with ongoing allegations of corruption, inadequate healthcare, and rising violence. Last year alone, assaults on staff increased by 109%, and the prison recorded 17 deaths within 11 months.

The inmate involved in today’s incident is reportedly undergoing psychological assessment at the Heath Hospital, with calls for his immediate sectioning to secure the treatment he needs. Critics argue that the prison’s failure to act on prior court orders highlights the ongoing crisis at Parc.

Campaigners insist that the incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reform at the privately-run facility.

This latest incident raises questions about the prison’s capacity to manage vulnerable inmates and provides further evidence of the deteriorating conditions at Parc Prison, which continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The Wales Air Ambulance has confirmed attendance.

Both Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and G4S has been asked to comment.

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Crime

Carmarthenshire man sentenced for violent altercation ‘to protect girlfriend’

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A VIOLENT altercation in Carmarthenshire has led to serious charges for William Rees, 24, of St Clears, who appeared at Swansea Crown Court facing charges of affray and grievous bodily harm.

The incident occurred on Tuesday (May 7, 2024) in Nott Square, Carmarthen. Rees was accused of assaulting a woman, causing a skull fracture and a small bleed on the brain. According to his statement, the altercation began as a verbal dispute between the woman and his girlfriend. Rees explained: “I was out in Carmarthen with my girlfriend. We had a few drinks but I was aware of what I was doing. We were heading towards a taxi, but a girl started shouting. There was a verbal incident, and then she became aggressive towards my girlfriend. I had no intention to hurt the girl; I was just protecting my girlfriend.”

CCTV footage captured a brief but violent exchange, and Rees admitted his actions at the scene. He told police: “I like to apologise,” before being taken into custody.

Rees expressed shame after reviewing the footage, particularly over his actions during the incident, but maintained that he did not instigate the violence. He took full responsibility, reflecting that his actions were motivated by a desire to protect his partner.

The court heard that alcohol played a significant role in Rees’s behaviour. He acknowledged that his conduct was out of character and shared that he had since made substantial lifestyle changes. His defence barrister, Mr Wright, stated: “He has now stopped drinking. He had one drink at Christmas and has not drunk since then.”

Rees was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. While condemning the violent actions, His Honour Judge Huw Rees recognised the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility and efforts to turn his life around.

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