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Crime

Carmarthen drug dealer on run for 16 months found disguised in NHS scrubs

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A DRUG dealer who evaded capture for over a year has been arrested after returning home disguised in NHS scrubs and a lanyard. Lynne Leyson, 53, from Carmarthen, fled after being convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, along with possession of criminal property, in May 2023.

Leyson was finally apprehended after 16 months on the run, when she returned to her family farm in Pibwr to say her goodbyes. She was arrested on 16 September 2024 and has had an additional two months added to her nine-year prison sentence for failing to surrender to authorities.

During her time as a fugitive, extensive efforts were made to track Leyson, including the involvement of Interpol. Swansea Crown Court heard that the search included border checks, wanted person posters, and the analysis of her associates’ travel patterns. Prosecuting barrister Ieuan Rees explained that authorities had conducted a wide-ranging investigation, which also included social media monitoring.

Leyson had been convicted alongside her partner and son in May 2023 for their roles in the drug operation. However, she failed to appear for sentencing in July of the same year and was sentenced in absentia in September 2023. Her partner and son, who had reportedly used guns, knives, and Doberman dogs to intimidate locals suspicious of the activities at the remote farm, were also sentenced at that time.

The arrest took place after Leyson, dressed in NHS scrubs and wearing a lanyard, returned to the family farm. The NHS-branded items have been handed over to the health board for further investigation, with suggestions they may have been part of a “fancy dress” disguise. Defence barrister Hywel Davies claimed the costume was not intended for deception, but rather as part of a plan for Leyson to hand herself in.

Judge Catherine Richards, addressing Leyson via video-link from Eastwood Park Prison, described her actions as “deliberate and sophisticated”. Leyson’s decision to abscond added significant complications to the case, which involved international authorities in the search.

Leyson’s additional two-month sentence will run consecutively with her existing nine-year term.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

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THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”

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Crime

Sex offender jailed for breaching court order

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A SEX offender from Wolfscastle has been jailed after using fake names on WhatsApp and attempting to access a social media app, breaching his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Luke Rogers, 38, was sentenced to 10 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to two breaches of the order, which was imposed following his 2020 conviction for sexual activity with a child.

Under the SHPO, Rogers was prohibited from using unregistered internet-enabled devices or creating online profiles under false names. Prosecutor Ryan Bowen told the court that police monitoring software installed on Rogers’ phone detected activity in group chats under three aliases last November.

Further investigation revealed Rogers had also searched for the MeetMe app on four occasions and admitted using it. Rogers, described by Mr. Bowen as “apologetic,” was arrested, and his phone was seized.

The court heard Rogers has a history of 17 convictions for 35 offences, including breaching court orders and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.

Defence barrister Olivia Rose said Rogers had cooperated fully with police and expressed a desire to change. She argued that his breaches stemmed from a misunderstanding about permitted names and emphasized his efforts to seek support.

Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Catherine Richards noted Rogers’ pattern of reoffending and stated: “The reality is I can only pass an immediate custodial sentence.”

She expressed hope that Rogers would take advantage of post-sentence supervision to break the cycle of offending.

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Crime

Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock

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POLICE in Pembrokeshire are renewing their appeal for information to locate Darren Markes, 46, from Pembroke Dock. He is wanted in connection with a domestic assault.

Markes is believed to have links to the Portsmouth and Sussex areas.

If you have seen Darren Markes or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the police through one of the following methods:

You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers:

Please quote reference number 24*944729 when providing information.

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