Crime

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

Published

2 years ago

October 8, 2024

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

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.