Crime

Man jailed after heroin package expelled in custody

Published

10 months ago

May 28, 2025

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has been jailed for 16 months after hiding more than 12 grams of heroin inside his body during a drug run to Swansea.

Mark Briskham, 52, lately of Wavell Crescent, was stopped by police in Llanteg on June 8 last year, after officers received intelligence he had travelled to Swansea to collect Class A drugs.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Briskham and another man had set off around 9:30am to pick up heroin. When they were stopped on their return journey, no drugs were found in the vehicle or on their persons.

Both men were taken to Withybush Hospital for scans. The passenger’s scan came back clear, but Briskham refused to be examined. He was taken to the police station and placed under supervision. Later, while using the toilet, he passed a package containing 12.7 grams of diamorphine.

The drugs were later valued at £1,590 based on their estimated street sale value.

Briskham initially denied intending to supply the drugs, claiming they were for personal use. He pleaded guilty on the morning of trial on the basis that he had been asked to collect the heroin and would be given seven grams in return.

Judge Geraint Walters said Briskham had agreed to “retrieve and deliver” the drugs on behalf of others, describing the offence as serious.

The court was told Briskham had a long history of criminal convictions, with 112 previous offences to his name, including past drug-related crimes. However, defence counsel Jon Tarrant said there had been a “significant gap” in his offending over the last 17 years.

Mr Tarrant said Briskham had sought help for his addiction following his arrest and was now drug-free. “He regards this spell in custody as a turning point,” he told the court. “He knows there are more important things he should be addressing in life.”

Judge Walters criticised the defendant for initially refusing to cooperate with police and only entering a full plea at the last minute.

“Heroin remains one of the most destructive and addictive substances in our society,” the judge said. “Anyone involved in its movement or supply can expect a custodial sentence.”

Briskham was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

38 seconds ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

21 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge after series of offences in Haverfordwest

Published

23 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A YOUTH has been given a conditional discharge after admitting a series of offences in Haverfordwest, including assault, shop theft and interfering with motor vehicles.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offences took place over a number of days in December 2025.

The court was told that on Saturday (Dec 6), the youth assaulted another child by beating them during an incident in the town. On the same date, they also stole two cans of Red Bull worth £5.40 from Tesco.

Further offences were committed on Tuesday (Dec 9), when the youth interfered with multiple vehicles at a vehicle repair workshop at Havens Head Business Park, Milford Haven. The offences involved attempts to interfere with vehicles with the intention of theft.

The youth appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where guilty pleas were entered to all matters.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge for each offence, taking into account the early guilty pleas.

The court also ordered the youth to pay £100 in compensation to the victim of the assault and £5.40 in compensation to Tesco. No order for costs was made due to the financial circumstances involved.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.