Crime

Criminal offered money for someone to set fire to a car and house for him

Published

1 year ago

July 5, 2024

A WEST Wales man who offered hundreds of pounds for arson to be committed on his behalf has been jailed for 11 years, and handed a 20-year restraining order to protect the victim.

Michael Arundel, of Tycroes, Carmarthenshire, was found to have used the Telegram app to send messages to an audience of over 1,000 people asking for a car and house to be set on fire in February and April of this year.

When he was arrested by Dyfed-Powys Police, he was in possession of cocaine worth up to £62,500.

The 34-year-old of Mynyddbach was brought to police attention following a car fire on his street on February 28, 2024.

Witnesses reported seeing a man throw something at the black Audi before it ‘immediately exploded’ and the suspect ran away. When the owner of the car followed him, he recognised the suspect as being linked to Arundel.

It was later discovered that Arundel had sent messages inciting arson using the Telegram app. On examining his phone, police found the following messages from February 28:

7.07pm: ‘Anyone looking to make money? Car set on fire in Ammanford. Don’t waste my time I want it asap.’
7.09pm: ‘1^st person come set the Audi outside on fire I’ll personally come give you £200 cash.’
7.10pm: ‘If you’re not available tonight don’t stress. I’ll pay you £200 tomorrow night to do the house windows. I don’t f*** about and I don’t do things by half.’

He then threatened that if someone accepted the offer but didn’t commit the crime, he would ‘focus his attention’ on their house, before increasing his payment to £300.

As a result of this incident, police began to monitor the Telegram app, with their attention drawn to similar messages posted on April 26.

7.02pm: ‘Need a house set on fire. Cash ready … Tycroes area. Nice amount of cash for this job.’
7.03pm: photos of money bags
8.16pm: ‘Cash was paid … that last job is sorted. Watch what happens tonight (two laughing emojis)
8.17pm a series of emojis depicting three houses, three fires, three cars and three fires

Due to the high risk of the threats, Dyfed-Powys Police deployed two double crewed vehicles to the area.

A further message was sent in response to the police presence:

8.23pm: Feds all over the place (two laughing emojis). Those police vans won’t stay there all night … soon as they’re gone it will happen mark my words! If they do wait all night … it will happen tomorrow. You can’t delay the inevitable!! It’s happening 100%

Despite Arundel’s confidence, the attack was prevented by a prompt police response and the heightened presence of officers in the area.

Three days later, police on patrol in Llanelli spotted Arundel and knowing he was wanted for questioning, pulled up next to him in their car. Realising they were officers, Arundel made off down Marble Hall Road, refusing to stop when requested.

As he was running, he tried to take a plastic bag out of his pocket with the intention of discarding it, and subsequently fell over. The officers caught up with Arundel and managed to restrain him.

They retrieved the plastic bag which contained a white rock, later established to be a half kilo block of cocaine with a street value of up to £62,500, and also found a digital weighing scale in Arundel’s pocket.

He was arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply and conspiracy to commit arson.

It was discovered Arundel had booked into a hotel in Llanelli, where a phone was seized. Officers searched his home, seizing two phones, as well as his business address where they seized a phone, laptop, police issue fleece and hi-vis vest, weighing scales and a clear bag with traces of white powder. Herbal cannabis and an air rifle were also confiscated from a garage.

Further enquiries into the Telegram account being used by Arundel found evidence of cocaine, cannabis, ketamine and MDMA being offered for supply between August 2023 and April 2024.

He was ultimately charged with five counts of supplying class A drugs, and two counts of encouraging the commission of arson in the Ammanford area, pleading guilty to all charges thanks to the strength of police evidence against him.

On Friday, July 5 Arundel appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where he was sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison. He was also handed a 20-year restraining order to protect the arson victim.

Detective Chief Inspector Rich Lewis said: “We are really pleased with the sentence handed to Arundel today. This has been an in-depth investigation with unusual circumstances in that the defendant was encouraging others to commit crimes on his behalf.

“The strength of evidence gathered was so strong that Arundel admitted all seven crimes, when clearly he had thought he could get away with offending if someone else committed the arson attack.

“These incidents could have had serious consequences, and it is very fortunate nobody was hurt by Arundel’s reckless behaviour.”

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

Crime

Rugby player’s life changed forever by knife attack — attacker jailed for 22½ years

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Seren Baker

A YOUNG rugby player was left fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly outside a Gorseinon social club — and on Friday (Dec 19) the man responsible was jailed at Swansea Crown Court.

Morgan Hopkins, aged 18 at the time of the attack, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday (June 22) outside The New Lodge Social Club on Alexandra Road.

Mr Hopkins, known to friends as “Hobby”, is a local rugby player with Morriston RFC. He had been waiting for a lift home with his girlfriend when trouble broke out nearby.

The court heard that Mr Hopkins attempted to defuse a confrontation between another group of males and Kane Evans. As tensions rose, Evans approached Mr Hopkins armed with a knife.

In a final attempt to calm the situation, Mr Hopkins reportedly said: “No one needed to get hurt.”

***Morgan Hopkins,18, pictured here with his parents was left with life-changing injuries following the attack***

Moments later, Evans launched a ferocious and unprovoked attack.

Mr Hopkins was stabbed no fewer than ten times to the chest and abdomen. Surgeons later told police that one of the wounds was less than half an inch from being fatal.

He underwent extensive emergency surgery and was left with lasting physical and psychological injuries.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, Mr Hopkins described the terror of the attack and the devastating impact it has had on his life.

He said his dream of playing professional rugby had been put on hold, adding that the loss of weekly matches had left him feeling lost and isolated. He told the court he no longer felt safe in his own home and struggled to go out, describing ongoing anxiety and depression.

Mr Hopkins also detailed the financial consequences of the attack, saying he had lost around £4,800 in wages and a further £800 from a cancelled holiday.

Police confirmed that Kane Evans, now aged 21, had gone out that night armed with a kitchen knife and may also have been carrying a second Stanley-type blade.

Officers said Evans was aggressive at the time of his arrest and was later charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

At Swansea Crown Court today, Evans was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years to follow.

Passing sentence, the judge described the attack as random and extremely violent, warning that Evans posed a serious ongoing risk to the public.

Family members and supporters of Mr Hopkins were present in court as the sentence was handed down.

Since the attack, friends, teammates and members of the local community have rallied around Mr Hopkins, offering support as he continues his recovery from injuries that have permanently altered his life.

Crime

Police appeal after stolen Ford Fiesta crashes into lamppost

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Officers ask residents to check CCTV and dashcam footage

POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of a vehicle in Ystradowen on Thursday evening (Dec 18).

A silver Ford Fiesta, registration CV05 CVJ, was reported stolen from a property on Brynawel Terrace, Penygraig Road, at around 5.30pm.

The vehicle was later discovered on New Road, Cwmllynfell, where it had been involved in a collision with a lamppost.

Dyfed-Powys Police are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who lives or travelled along the route between Brynawel Terrace and New Road, Cwmllynfell, to check their CCTV or dashcam footage in case the incident was captured.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by sending a direct message via social media.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Quote reference: 25*1032732.