TWO men have confessed to drug dealing after being caught in possession of cocaine and cannabis on New Year’s Day 2023.

Alex John, 21, of Lon Y Prior, St Clears, and Joshua Jenkins, 30, of Station View, Tumble, faced a total of seven drug-related charges, spanning from mid-2022 to January 1, 2023.

The pair were arrested on Queen Street, Carmarthen, on New Year’s Day last year, where both were found with cocaine and accused of possessing the drug with intent to supply.

John also faced charges of possessing cannabis with intent to supply on the same date. In addition, he was charged with being concerned in the supply of both cocaine and cannabis from July 10, 2022, until his arrest. Jenkins faced similar charges, relating to the supply of cocaine and cannabis between September 2, 2022, and January 1, 2023.

The two men had previously entered guilty pleas to all charges on a basis, but these pleas were disputed by prosecutors. When the case returned to Swansea Crown Court on January 15, the court heard that neither basis of plea could be accepted by the Crown.

David Singh, representing John, informed the court that his client had withdrawn his basis of plea and now accepted the prosecution’s case in full. Regan Walters, acting for Jenkins, stated that contentious elements of his client’s basis of plea had been removed.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson highlighted the significant two-year delay in bringing the case to court, a matter noted by Judge Geraint Walters.

The judge adjourned sentencing to allow for pre-sentence reports to be prepared for both defendants. Addressing John and Jenkins, Judge Walters said: “These offences are always serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence, but the final decision will rest with the sentencing judge.”

Both men were re-admitted to bail and will return to court for sentencing on February 13.

The Herald will provide updates on this case as they emerge.

FRESH allegations have surfaced about Bridgend’s Parc Prison, with claims of widespread mismanagement and failures in inmate care sparking renewed outrage. The facility, already under intense scrutiny, is now at the centre of a series of alarming events.

Over the weekend, a suicide attempt was reportedly made by a prisoner who had previously suffered a violent beating. According to sources, the inmate was transferred to a wing where threats against his life had been made, prompting questions about the prison’s decision-making processes and duty of care.

Separate incidents also highlighted the deteriorating conditions within the jail. On Saturday, a fire was deliberately set in a cell, prompting emergency services to attend as a precaution. G4S, the private firm that operates the prison, downplayed the event, describing it as a “small fire” that was quickly extinguished.

The prison also saw another inmate rushed to hospital after a suspected drug overdose, though he was later returned to custody. Meanwhile, South Wales Police confirmed they are investigating an alleged assault on a female officer, with reports suggesting that tensions among inmates and staff are escalating.

Parc Prison has become a lightning rod for criticism, with recent years marked by disturbing trends. Staff assaults reportedly rose by over 100% last year, and the prison has recorded 17 deaths in an 11-month period, including suicides and unexplained fatalities.

A G4S spokesperson addressed concerns about visitor safety after an incident on Saturday, where a family member experiencing a panic attack was allegedly left locked in a room for an hour. The firm defended its practices, stating: “Parc is a prison. We aim to provide a positive visiting experience but acknowledge that being in a secure environment can be difficult for some visitors.”

These incidents come on the heels of damning revelations about the prison’s operations. Sources allege that senior management instructed staff to falsify welfare checks in an effort to conceal procedural failures linked to an inmate’s death. Campaigners have branded this as symptomatic of a toxic culture within Parc, accusing G4S of prioritising damage control over meaningful reform.

Calls for accountability have intensified, with campaigners urging authorities to take immediate action to address the systemic issues plaguing the facility. While G4S insists it is committed to the welfare of inmates and staff, critics argue that these assurances are falling short in the face of mounting evidence of neglect and mismanagement.

With pressure mounting, Parc Prison is rapidly becoming a symbol of the challenges facing the UK’s privatized prison system. As investigations continue, the spotlight remains firmly on Bridgend’s embattled facility.

A 23-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has been sentenced by magistrates after admitting stealing cans of Hooch and a bottle of wine from the B&M store, Haverfordwest.

Rhys Wheeler was seen stealing three cans of Hooch and a bottle of wine from the store on December 4. As a result, he was arrested by police officers and placed inside a police van.

“He started shouting and swearing and was put in the back of the van, in a cage,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“En-route, officers stopped to make a phone call to the defendant’s mother and this was when he kicked out and spat towards one of the officers, causing saliva to land on the perspex of the cage. He later said he had HIV.”

Wheeler, who is currently on no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the theft of the drinks, valued at £8.70, and of causing criminal damage to the police cage.

He was represented in court by solicitor, Tom Lloyd.

“He’d lost his job at a sushi bar and things have been difficult for him since then,” he said.

“He wasn’t in quite the right frame of mind and didn’t know what he was doing.

“There are no excuses for what he’s done and if you sit down with him today, he would tell you how genuinely sorry he is for what he’s done.”

Wheeler was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Dyfed-Powys Police for the damage caused to the police van and £8.70 compensation to B&M, Haverfordwest. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge. “