Crime
Pair jailed after major cocaine seizure in south Wales
TWO men have been handed lengthy prison sentences after officers from Tarian – the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales – caught them in the act of a drug exchange, uncovering large quantities of cocaine bound for the streets.
On June 9, 2024, Tarian officers observed 50-year-old Lee Ruggles and 21-year-old Kian Piyadasa meeting in Swansea, where a package was passed between their vehicles. Ruggles got out of his Ford Focus, walked to a BMW, and handed a package through the window to Piyadasa before returning to his car.
Ruggles was stopped by police as he drove eastbound on the M4. Piyadasa was stopped separately in Swansea, where officers found a key to a third vehicle. Significant quantities of cocaine were recovered from the Ford Focus and the third vehicle, with Piyadasa also carrying a zip-lock bag of the drug on him.
Mobile phone downloads showed messages between the pair consistent with large-scale supply.
The two men were sentenced yesterday at Swansea Crown Court, following earlier guilty pleas.
- Lee Ruggles, of Barking, London, received nine years and nine months for conspiring to supply cocaine.
- Kian Piyadasa, of Birchgrove, Swansea, was jailed for ten years and eight months for the same offence.
A Tarian ROCU spokesperson said: “The sentences today should serve as a warning to others engaging in similar criminality. Those supplying drugs make considerable profits from the suffering of others, and we will continue to pursue them.”
Tarian’s work regularly targets supply routes feeding drugs into rural areas, including Pembrokeshire. While this case unfolded in Swansea, police believe seizures of this size have a direct impact on cutting off supply chains that bring class A drugs into west Wales communities.
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.
Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.
Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.
Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.
“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.
The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.
Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.
“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.
When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”
Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”
As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”
A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.
Crime
Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order
A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.
The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.
The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.
It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.
A plea of not guilty was entered.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.
A reporting restriction remains in force.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.
Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.
The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.
Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.
Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.
The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.
The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.
-
Local Government7 days agoFishguard children’s home application is a ‘legal test’, not planning merits decision
-
Community5 days agoDogs removed after welfare concerns at Milford Haven property
-
Crime7 days agoDrink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop
-
Crime6 days agoPembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault
-
Crime6 days agoPembrokeshire man charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children
-
Business6 days agoHandcrafted garden furniture built to last across Pembrokeshire
-
Charity6 days agoRow erupts at Spitfire museum after Reform poster displayed at charity premises
-
Community6 days agoCancer patients targeted with parking fines outside Haverfordwest support centre








