Crime

Prison officer smuggled drugs in juice cartons

Published

2 years ago

August 11, 2024

A PRISON officer has been sentenced to six years in prison after being caught attempting to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into HMP Parc in Bridgend, Wales. The court heard that the officer had been offered thousands of pounds to carry out the illegal activity.

The prison houses many inmates from Pembrokeshire and the West Wales area.

The case was presented at Merthyr Crown Court, where it was revealed that Jodie Beer, a 30-year-old former prison officer, was apprehended by police with a significant stash of drugs and mobile phones concealed within orange juice cartons. The arrest took place in February 2022, when Beer was stopped by police outside the prison during a break.

During a search of Beer’s vehicle, officers discovered a zip-lock bag containing light brown powder, tubes of white tablets, and a plastic carrier bag holding large cartons labelled as orange juice. Beer initially claimed that the items had been placed in her car by someone else. However, upon closer inspection, the cartons were found to contain controlled drugs, mobile phones, and SIM cards.

In total, the police recovered nearly 22 grams of cocaine, over 628 grams of cannabis, and dozens of buprenorphine tablets, a strong painkiller. A subsequent search of Beer’s partner’s home led to the discovery of £4,000 in cash.

During her police interview, Beer admitted that she had been approached by a prisoner who offered her £5,000 to smuggle the contraband into the prison. She confessed to collecting the packages, including the pre-packed orange juice cartons, from an unknown individual at a layby.

Beer, of Llanharry, Rhondda Cynon Taff, had previously pleaded guilty to charges of possession of Class A, B, and C drugs with intent to supply, as well as to an offence of misconduct in public office. She was sentenced to six years in prison for her crimes.

The case highlights the serious consequences of corruption within the prison system and the severe penalties for those who breach their duties for personal gain.

Crime

Teen jailed after starting fire while others slept

Published

3 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Fire set in shared home left sleeping residents at risk and caused £130,000 damage

A TEENAGER who started a fire in his bedroom while other residents slept has been jailed for four years.

Jack Gornall, aged 18, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after admitting a series of offences including arson, threats with a knife, assault, and sending malicious communications.

The court heard that in the early hours of Sunday (Nov 17), Gornall deliberately started a fire inside his room at a shared property on Mansel Street, Carmarthen.

He then barricaded the door before climbing out of a first-floor window, leaving others inside the building at risk.

One resident was asleep at the time and had to be rescued by police. Two officers were later treated for smoke inhalation after tackling the incident before firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The fire caused extensive damage to the property, estimated at around £130,000.

Prosecutor Dean Pulling told the court that Gornall had earlier gone out to buy cigarettes and a lighter, and had carried out internet searches relating to accelerants in the days leading up to the fire.

The court also heard details of other offences.

In October 2024, Gornall repeatedly contacted his sister after being blocked, including calling her child’s phone. When she answered, he became abusive and threatened to report her to social services.

On another occasion in January 2025, he approached a car in Llandysul and produced a kitchen knife, waving it at occupants through an open window. The driver sped away and alerted police.

He also admitted stealing alcohol from a supermarket in Carmarthen, during which he became aggressive and assaulted a member of staff.

Gornall pleaded guilty to all offences at an early stage.

Judge Catherine Richards sentenced him to four years’ detention in a Young Offender Institution.

Crime

Man wanted over Class A drugs investigation in Carmarthenshire

Published

7 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information to trace a man wanted in connection with a Class A drugs investigation in Llanelli.

Dyfed-Powys Police has issued a public appeal to locate Jake Ware, aged 25, who is originally from Liverpool but is known to have links in the west Wales area.

The appeal follows the execution of a warrant in Llanelli on Tuesday (Dec 17, 2025), as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected Class A drug offences.

Officers are urging members of the public to come forward if they have seen Ware or have any information that could assist in locating him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference: 25001029597.

Members of the public can also report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.