Crime

County lines gang operating from Chessington to west Wales jailed

Published

3 months ago

January 23, 2026

Two men imprisoned and another given a 31-month sentence while sentencing for a fourth defendant is delayed for reports

A COUNTY lines drug operation spanning Chessington to Swansea has been brought before the courts, with a judge saying those involved were driven by drug addiction and financial motives.

The defendants first appeared before the Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Pre-trial preparations took place in October, and sentencing was dealt with at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Jan 23).

Judge Catherine Richards told the court the offending was fuelled by financial gain and serious substance misuse.

“Your motives were entirely financial, each driven by your considerable drug addictions,” she said.

Barrie Iylett, 58, was jailed for three years. The court heard he entered an early guilty plea and was addicted to crack cocaine and heroin at the time of the offence. He had previously worked as a plasterer but had been unable to work for six months before his arrest due to the extent of his addiction. His barrister said he had used his time in custody positively, was now drug-free, and intended to return to Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, where he planned to remain abstinent. He accepted he faced a substantial custodial sentence.

Joseph Billclough, 46, was also sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. He was described as homeless and a heavy drug user at the time of the offence, and the court heard he had been involved in the operation for around nine months in order to fund his own drug habit. His legal representative said he was realistic about the position he was in. The court was told he had no other relevant convictions and that, for the first time in nearly 30 years, he was now drug-free.

Finlay Price Smallman, described as significantly younger than his co-defendants, received a custodial sentence of 31 months. The court heard he was a vulnerable drug user and that he had been homeless from the age of 15. His solicitor told the court his life was “a tale which is unfortunately too common,” adding that Smallman was “sick of the life he has been leading.” On release, he plans to live with his father and stepmother in the Hereford countryside and hopes to set up a burger van in the future.

Sentencing for Andrew Avraam was adjourned until Friday, Feb 13, 2026. Judge Richards ordered a pre-sentence report due to his lack of previous criminal history and evidence of mental health diagnoses including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The court also heard Avraam was a victim of modern slavery, which the judge said would need to be considered before sentence is passed.

Judge Richards said the court had taken account of the personal circumstances put forward on behalf of each defendant, but stressed the serious harm caused by county lines drug supply operations.

Crime

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

Published

16 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

FAMILY WATCHED FROM PUBLIC GALLERY AS CASE SENT TO CROWN COURT

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with causing the death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer Tim Minett by dangerous driving.

Mr Minett was riding a Blood Bike Wales Honda motorcycle on the afternoon of July 2, 2025, when it was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Crafter van on the A478 between Glandycross and Blaenffos.

He had been transporting blood supplies for the NHS at the time.

This week the van’s driver, Roger King, 57, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with causing Mr Minett’s death by dangerous driving.

King stood in the dock to confirm his name, age and address as members of Mr Minett’s family watched from the public gallery.

Magistrates were told that, due to the seriousness of the allegation, the case can only be dealt with at the Crown Court.

Proceedings will continue at Swansea Crown Court on May 29.

King was released on unconditional bail until that date.c

Crime

Man breached restraining order by entering woman’s home

Published

16 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

COURT HEARS APPLICATION MADE TO DISCHARGE ORDER

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been sentenced after being found inside a woman’s home despite being banned from contacting her.

Peter Bromley, 51, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, was made subject to a restraining order by Haverfordwest magistrates on February 26.

The order prevented him from having any direct or indirect contact with Rhiannon Bowen.

But on April 8, police received a call claiming Bromley was present at Ms Bowen’s address in Fishguard.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that when officers arrived at the property, Ms Bowen initially denied that Bromley was there.

However, when officers gained access to the property, they found Bromley inside the kitchen.

This week Bromley pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order.

He was legally represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told magistrates that Ms Bowen had recently begun proceedings to have the restraining order removed and discharged.

“Considerable progress has been made by the defendant in various areas of his life,” said Mr Lloyd.

Bromley was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.

He must also complete a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Crime

Drink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop

Published

16 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

SENTENCE ADJOURNED FOR PROBATION REPORT

A 23-YEAR-old motorist has been given an interim driving ban after admitting he was over the drink-drive limit when he damaged a bicycle in a collision.

Ajay Mathias was driving his Ford Fiesta along the A478 at Allensbank on April 8 when he collided with the bicycle.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that subsequent breath tests showed Mathias had 44 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Mathias, of Min y Llan, Letterston, appeared before magistrates this week where he pleaded guilty to drink-driving and failing to stop after a road accident.

Sentencing was adjourned until April 30, when magistrates will consider a probation report.

Mathias was released on unconditional bail until that date.