A man from London who made daily trips to Pontypridd to sell heroin to the area’s drug users was jailed for 5 years today at Cardiff Crown Court.

Another local man, Gary Stuart Blake, was jailed for 2 years for his part in an operation which kept parts of our valleys supplied with high purity heroin and crack cocaine.

Louis Ferguson, 26, from Clapham, London used a Cardiff hotel as a local operating base from which he would take regular orders for Class A drugs, delivering it to its destination within the hour.

Over a six month period, Ferguson developed a supply network by identifying drug users from the across the South Wales valleys and using them to reference in new customers.

But the operation came crashing down after they came under the radar of South Wales Police.

Following an extensive covert policing operation, Ferguson and two other accomplices were arrested by specially trained officers on 7th March.

Dramatic scenes unfolded as police officers equipped with Taser closed in on a blue Hyundai being driven by Ferguson moments after he had carried out a drug deal atPrincess Street, Treforest.

Unsure if the suspect was a risk to himself or the public, officers incapacitated the vehicle in dramatic scenes before detaining the men.

Louis Ferguson, and Gary Blake who is from Treforest, were subsequently arrested and later detained at Pontypridd Police Station

Over 30 street deals of heroin and crack cocaine along cash and other incriminating evidence were found in the central console of the Blue Hyundai.

The investigation subsequently led officers to the Ibis Hotel in Cardiff Gate, Pontprennau where they found over £7000 worth of heroin and a significant amount of cash.

Subsequent enquiries revealed the full extent of Ferguson’s criminal activities with officers confirming their suspicions that he had been operating in South Wales from October of last year.

Following Ferguson’s arrest, the police investigation took officers to London. Working with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service, South Wales Police executed a warrant at the defendant’s home address and recovered incriminating evidence surrounding the proceeds of his criminality.

DCI Andy Valentine, Head of Crime for South Wales Police’s Northern division said: “Louis Ferguson saw South Wales, and in particular, the communities of Rhondda Cynon Taff as a lucrative market for trafficking controlled drugs.”

“He travelled to the region on a weekly basis using a local hotel as a base for his illicit operations.

“Over several months, Ferguson identified and exploited drugs users for his own gains and developed a market for heroin and crack cocaine.”

“He used the desperation of drug addiction to build a network of local contacts that encouraged and endorsed his product to other drugs users.”

Ferguson saw drug dealing as a form of employment without any consideration to the misery that drugs misuse brings to the community.”

“Whilst the defendant took significant steps to protect his drugs trafficking operation, the commitment and professionalism of the Northern division’s Priority Policing Team has brought Ferguson to justice and has dismantled his criminal enterprise.”

“The sentences handed down today represent the seriousness of Ferguson’s offending and provide a stark warning to drug dealers that the South Wales’ valleys region is no soft target. It also represents South Wales Police’s commitment to tackling drug dealing and substance misuse,” he added.

Officers attached to Operation Pallial today (Wednesday June 26 2013) arrested a man in Leicester on suspicion of a number of sexual assaults.

The assaults, on three boys, are alleged to have taken place between 1969 and 1984 when they were aged between 12 and 14 years old.

The 62-year-old man will be taken to a police station in Leicestershire, where he will be interviewed.

No further information about the arrest, or the specific nature of the offences being put to him, will be provided. An update will be issued when the man is either charged, bailed or released from police custody following interview.

Operation Pallial is an investigation led by Keith Bristow, Director General of the National Crime Agency, into recent allegations of historical abuse in the care system in North Wales.

Detectives investigating the armed robbery which happened at out 9.55pm on Tuesday 25^th June at the Ladbrokes Betting Office on Margam Road, Port Talbot have released CCTV images of the suspect.

A male entered the property armed with a knife, threatened a female member of staff, who handed over a quantity of cash.

Officers believe that following the attack the suspect walked up Margam Road in the direction of the “Twelve Knights” public house and past the Bargain Booze shop and  The Post Office and turned down a lane which leads to the rear of the shops.

Detective Inspector Mark Kavanagh of Neath CID said:

“ I am appealing to anyone who was out and about in the vicinity of the betting office at the relevant time to have a good look at the CCTV stills and in particular the clothing, if they saw any individual wearing  similar clothing  to come forward”

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may information about the robbery to contact us”

Anyone with information is should contact Neath CID on 01639 – 640204 or 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

The IPCC is managing an investigation in to a Gwent Police custody sergeant. This investigation was launched on 14 May 2013 after the IPCC re-determined the investigation.

This was previously an investigation carried out by Gwent Police under the supervision of the IPCC following a referral to the IPCC in January 2013 and was re-determined to ensure greater independent oversight. The investigation concerns allegations relating to sexual offences and potential abuses of power by a police officer.

The 46-year-old sergeant has been suspended during the investigation.

IPCC Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies said: “Allegations of this nature are both serious and sensitive and should be investigated thoroughly. The public rightly expect to have confidence in how they are treated when they are in custody and allegations to the contrary only erode confidence.

The IPCC is managing this criminal investigation which will be both robust and thorough.”

South Wales Police was called to an address in Church Street, Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil, at 4.20pm on Wednesday, 3rd July 2013 where the bodies of an adult and a child were discovered.

The bodies have not been formally identified but are believed to be a woman and young child.

Next of kin has been informed and being supported by trained police family liaison officers.

Post mortem examinations have been arranged and a forensic examination of the scene is being carried out.

Officers are continuing to carry out house-to-house enquiries in the area. A police cordon remains in place in Church Street.

The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and an incident room has been set up at Cardiff Central Police Station.

Detectives are investigating the circumstances leading up to the discovery of the bodies yesterday afternoon and are appealing for information.

Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley, of the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Investigations Team said: “Troedyrhiw is a close-knit community in Merthyr Tydfil and local people are obviously shocked. We have a team of officers at the scene and in the community looking for information that may assist our enquiries.

We would like to hear from anyone who has seen or heard anything suspicious or unusual in Church Street in recent weeks. The information may seem insignificant but could be important to the investigation.”

South Wales Police is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of a woman and a young child whose bodies were discovered at an address inChurch Street, Troedyrhiw at 4.20pm on Wednesday 3^rd July.

 Formal identification has not taken place but police believe the deceased to be 27-year-old Joanne Thomas and her four-month old daughter Harper.

 They were discovered inside the property by police officers who entered the address after concerns were raised for their welfare.

 Family liaison officers are continuing to offer support to Joanne and Harper’s family at this very difficult time.

 There is no evidence to date which suggests that carbon monoxide is a factor in the deaths.

 Officers now await the results of the Home Office Post Mortem to determine the cause of the deaths, which at this stage are being treated as unexplained.

 House to house enquiries are continuing in the area, and forensic examinations at the scene are ongoing. A police cordon remains at Church Street, Troedyrhiw.

 Investigating officers are continuing their appeal for information, and an incident room has been set up at Cardiff Central Police Station.

 Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley, said: “We are still waiting for further medical tests to be carried out to determine what may have caused Joanne and Harper’s death.

 “We are currently examining a number of lines of enquiry to establish the circumstances of these tragic deaths and I can confirm the current evidence to date does not suggest that carbon monoxide is a factor in this case.

 “We believe that Joanne and Harper may have been dead for some time. My appeal is for the community to try their best to recall anything that could be relevant from the past few weeks.

  “I would like to thank the local community of Troedyrhiw for their support and co-operation so far, and reassure them that we are doing everything we can to find out what happened. What I ask is that they come forward with any information regardless how insignificant it may seem.”

 Anyone with information can contact the incident room which has been set up on 02920 527 303.

Alternatively they can call South Wales Police’s 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police in Porthcawl are investigating a suspicious incident which occurred at around 3.15pm on Sunday 30^th June at Kenfig Nature Reserve.

A 63 year old local lady was walking along the path between the visitor centre and Kenfig Pool when she was approached by a cyclist who dismounted from his bicycle, approached the woman and made inappropriate remarks to her.

The man is described as slim, about five feet nine inches tall, white with dark hair and aged in his 40s.  He was wearing a black woollen beanie hat, a tight black cycling jacket, and long tight black cycling pants.  He was riding a road bike.

Porthcawl acting sector inspector Mathew Lewis said:  “We are appealing for anyone who may have seen this cyclist in the area of the Kenfig nature reserve on Sunday afternoon.

“We would also like to speak to a group of three men who walked along the path at the time of the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact acting inspector Mathew Lewis at Porthcawl police station on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote reference 62130198371.

The family of 27-year-old Joanne Thomas and her four-month-old baby Harper, whose bodies were discovered at an address in Church Street, Troedyrhiw on Wednesday, 3^rd July have paid a short tribute to them.

They have described Joanne as being, “a bubbly, sociable, and kind hearted person. She was a loving and caring mother to her children. Joanne and baby Harper will be sorely missed by all her family and friends.”

The police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing. Officers await the results of a Home Office Post Mortem to determine the cause of the deaths which at this stage are being treated as unexplained.

House to house inquiries are continuing in the area, and forensic examinations at the scene are ongoing. A police cordon remains at Church Street, Troedyrhiw.

Investigating officers are continuing their appeal for information, and an incident room has been set up at Cardiff Central Police Station.

Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley, said: “I’d like to thank the local community for their co-operation so far and my appeal to them continues. We are still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Joanne and baby Harper in the past few weeks to come forward. The family have released a picture of Joanne so that may help people recall seeing her.”

Our thoughts are with Joanne’s family. Specially trained officers are providing them with support at this difficult time.”

Anyone with information can contact the incident room on 02920 527 303.

Alternatively they can use South Wales Police’s 101 number or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A RHONDDA PCSO is well used to keeping a beat, but now he is using Twitter to stay in tune with his local community. 

Talented musician PCSO Ryan Carter, who is funded by the Welsh Government, is the latest officer to Tweet on the @swpnorth account which reaches out to people living and working in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr.

Ryan, a keen guitarist, drummer, and trombone player, will Tweet throughout his working week to give an insight into the work of PCSOs and how they are making a difference in communities across Wales.

The Brynna PCSO, said: “The role has exceeded all my expectations and I think people will be surprised about the things we do.

“I know first hand how important and varied the role can be and I am looking forward to sharing my experiences.”

Ryan is among 500 additional Community Support Officers across Wales being funded by the Welsh Government.

Deployment and training of the additional Welsh Government funded CSOs began in October 2012 and they are all expected to be deployed by September 2013 with 206 here in South Wales.

Ryan, a former manager at Halfords, has been nicknamed ‘the magnet’ by colleagues for his ability to be in the right place at the right time.

Ryan said: “I love being on the ground where it all happens day in day out – right now it feels like the best job ever!”

Follow Ryan on @swpnorth using #WGfunded from Monday 22^nd July until Friday, 26^th July. All of his tweets begin with NPT_Ryan.

Four people recently appeared at Swansea Crown Court and were sentenced to a total of 16 years imprisonment for their part in a conspiracy to supply heroin across the Neath Port Talbot area.

On 3^rd January 2013 officers from the South Wales Police Western Sector Organised Crime Team executed a search warrant at a property in Velindre Street,Port Talbot, following which Paul Manley 49, Danielle Parfitt 36, Dawn Start 44, and Lee Start 38, were arrested at the premises for conspiracy to supply heroin between December 2012 and January 2013.

Three of the defendants, namely Danielle PARFITT, Dawn START and Lee START pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and during a trial on 28^th June 2013, the defendant Paul MANLEY was found guilty at Swansea Crown Court.

All four defendants appeared before Mr Recorder Paul Hopkins QC, on Wednesday 3^rd July where they were sentenced as follows;

Paul MANLEY  7 years imprisonment.

Danielle PARFITT,  3 years imprisonment.

Dawn START 3 years imprisonment.

Lee START 3 years imprisonment.

DC Chris Mason of the Organised Crime team said “These individuals have had a significant effect on the area of Neath Port Talbot and were clearly impacting on the lives of their neighbours and local communities as a result of drug supply”.

“The arrests have sent out a clear message to those who supply heroin and that is that there will be no hiding place. We will seek you out and bring you to justice”.

DC Mason added “While I thank those who have already provided us with information, I ask that they continue to do so and maintain the momentum of the positive outcome to date.”

“I am once again reiterating my appeal to anyone with information on those who are involved in drug or criminal activities to come forward.”

He added “South Wales Police will continue to actively targeted those who deal drugs across the Swansea Neath, Port Talbot areas as this behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities”

Anyone with information can contact the police on 01792 450631 or 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111,

A body recovered from the sea near Fontygary in the Vale of Glamorgan was last night formally identified as being 14-year-old Hollie McClymont, who was reported missing on Sunday afternoon.

Hollie, from Glasgow, was on Barry Island with friends when she got into difficulty in the water.

After her disappearance was reported to a PCSO on patrol, sea searches were conducted by HM Coastguard and RNLI lifeboats while police conducted enquiries on land.

On Wednesday afternoon, during a search of the water by a specialist police search team, Hollie’s body was discovered.

She was taken to Llandough Hospital where she was formally identified by her family.

South Wales Police Chief Inspector Marc Lamerton said: “This is obviously a very difficult time for Hollie’s family and friends and our thoughts are with them.

“I would like to thank the community of Barry and the media for their support throughout the incident.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts and professionalism of the rescue teams who searched for Hollie.

“This tragedy has highlighted the issue of beach safety and while Barry Island is a really safe and enjoyable place to visit, I would urge visitors to heed the advice and swim in the designated areas.”

Hollie’s death will be investigated by police on behalf of HM Coroner.

Her headteacher, Andrew McSorley, of St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in Glasgow, said: “It was a terrible shock to learn of Hollie’s death.

“She was due to start fourth year in August and everyone at the school who knew her will be shocked and saddened by this awful news.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they deal with their devastating loss.”

A MAN has been jailed after pointing a gun at unarmed police officers in Hillingdon.

Yonis Abdinur, 20 (23.8.92) of Cornelia Drive, Hayes, was imprisoned for five years for possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday 12 July 2013.

He had pleaded guilty at the same court on 13 June 2013.

On 8 April 2013, two Hillingdon borough police officers were on plain clothes patrol in an unmarked car in Dallas Terrace, Hillingdon.

The officers had reason to stop the Ford Focus that Abdinur was travelling in. The vehicle contained three occupants.

The officers identified themselves as police and began speaking to the driver and front seat passenger when the rear passenger – later identified as Abdinur – exited the vehicle. As the officers began to explain why he was going to be searched, he produced a revolver-type firearm from a bag he was carrying and pointed it at the officers.

Abdinur shouted expletives and ran off. He was chased by one of the officers, during which Abdinur turned and pointed the gun at the officer again. Abdinur then ran off.

On 10 April 2013, in a joint operation between the Trident Gang Crime Command and Hillingdon borough officers, Abdinur was arrested and subsequently charged.

Detective Inspector Jim Newcombe, Trident Gang Crime Command, North Reactive Team, said: “This incident highlights the bravery of unarmed officers who in the course of their duties could be threatened by individuals with firearms at any time. After a full investigation by the Trident Gang Crime Command, Abdinur pleaded guilty to the offence.

“The firearm used in this incident remains outstanding but the investigation into its location continues. If anyone has any information relating to this incident then please contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Hillingdon Borough Commander Steve Kershaw said: “I am very pleased with the outcome of this investigation. The sentence reflects how seriously the court takes such matters. I am very proud of my officers and how they try to keep everybody safe in sometimes very challenging circumstances.”

South Wales Police investigating the murder of a 44 year old woman whose body was found at a house on Tybryn Terrace, Pencoed near Bridgend late on Sunday 14^th July 2013 have arrested a 45 year old local man on suspicion of murder.

Police attended the address after concerns were raised by family members where officers discovered the victim inside.

An investigation has been launched and an incident room has been set up at Bridgend police station.

Detectives are appealing for information concerning the movements of a black Peugeot 307, registration KO 04 VDA between 2.00pm on Sunday afternoon and 12.30pm today (Monday).

Head of the Specialist Crime Investigations Team at South Wales Police, Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley, said: “We are appealing to the public who may have seen this car to contact us.  We want to piece together a picture of the movements of the vehicle during that time.2

Anyone with any information concerning this incident should contact the Incident Room on 01656 306099 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

South Wales Police is continuing to investigate the murder of Assia Newtown, aged 44, whose body was found at a house in Pencoed near Bridgend late on Sunday 14th July 2013.

A 45-year-old local man arrested on suspicion of murder is currently receiving medical treatment and has not yet been interviewed by police.

Officers discovered the mother of three inside her home address in Tybryn Terrace after concerns were raised by family members.

Detectives are still appealing for information concerning the movements of a black Peugeot 307, registration KO 04 VDA between 2pm on Sunday 14^th July and 12.30pm on Monday 15^th July.

Anyone with any information concerning this incident should contact the Incident Room at Bridgend Police Station on 01656 306099or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

THREE men have been charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent on each other following an incident in Tremorfa, Cardiff, at the weekend.
At around 07.30am on Sunday, July 14 South Wales Police received a report of a disturbance on Craigmuir Road.
Five men, all local to the Roath area, were arrested.
Three of them, aged 21, 22, and 39 have now been charged and are due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on August 2.
Bail conditions imposed on the men until that hearing include abiding by a 10pm to 8am curfew, not entering Craigmuir Road, and not associating with each other.
A fourth man is on bail pending further enquiries and the fifth man has been released without further action.

Officers attached to Operation Pallial today (Thursday July 18 2013) arrested a man in Wrexham on suspicion of eight physical assaults.

The assaults, on five boys and three girls, are alleged to have taken place between 1974 and 1986 when they were aged between 10 and 15 years old.

The 72-year-old man will be taken to a police station in North Wales, where he will be interviewed.

No further information about the arrest, or the specific nature of the offences being put to him, will be provided. An update will be issued when the man is either charged, bailed or released from police custody following interview.

Operation Pallial is an investigation led by Keith Bristow, Director General of the National Crime Agency, into recent allegations of historical abuse in the care system in North Wales.

South Wales Police is continuing to investigate the death of a 59-year-old woman Marlene Keogh whose body was found at a house in the Sandfields area of Port Talbot.

Police are treating the death of Marlene Keogh, who lived alone, as unexplained pending the results of a post mortem.

As part of their enquiries officers have published a photograph of Ms Keogh and are trying to piece together her movements between 4.15pm on Tuesday and 9.25am on Wednesday.

Officers have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area. An incident room has been set up at Sandfields Police Station.
Next of kin have been informed and the family are being supported by a trained family liaison officer.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lewis of the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Investigations Team, said: “We continue to keep an open mind regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Marlene Keogh.

“We want to hear from anyone who saw or heard from her between 4.15pm on Tuesday and 9.25am on Wednesday when her body was discovered.

“We are also appealing to anyone who saw any visitors to the house or noticed anything unusual to contact the police.”

Anyone with any information concerning this incident should contact the Incident Room on 01639 889772 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police in Swansea are re -appealing for information as to the whereabouts of James William Stevenson.

Stevenson 33, who is from the Townhill area of the city is wanted in connection with a serious assault which occurred at around 1.45am on Thursday 18th July at an address in the Penlan area of Swansea.

He is described as white, 5ft 10in tall, of medium build, with short brown hair, hazel eyes and he has local Welsh accent.

Detective Inspector Darren George of Swansea CID said: “Despite extensive enquires over the last few days we have not located Stevenson, I would urge anyone with information as to his whereabouts to come forward as a matter of urgency”

“I should also make it perfectly clear that if anyone is found to be harbouring or hiding Stevenson, they could also face serious consequences”

“Members of the public are advised not approach him but report any information straight away.”

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of James Stevenson is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting occurrence 62130220061.

Officers attached to Operation Pallial today (Wednesday July 24 2013) arrested a 61-year-old man in Chester, Cheshire, on suspicion of a number of serious sexual assaults.

The assaults, on a boy, are alleged to have taken place between 1982 and 1985 when he was aged between 12 and 15 years old.

Today’s arrest is the fourth made by Operation Pallial, an investigation led by Keith Bristow, Director General of the National Crime Agency, into recent allegations of historical abuse in the care system in North Wales.

Contact information

The email address for members of the public to use to contact Operation Pallial is: operationpallial@soca.x.gsi.gov.uk

The public telephone number for the Incident Room is: 0800 118 1199.

John Allen, aged 71, of Ipswich, Suffolk, has today been charged with 32 serious sexual offences following an investigation into recent allegations of historical abuse in the care system in North Wales.

Mr Allen was rearrested this morning when he answered his bail in North Wales and, following further interview by officers from Operation Pallial, has been charged with 22 indecent assaults, one offence of gross indecency and nine offences of buggery.

Karen Mullin, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Cymru-Wales, said:

“The Crown Prosecution Service is working alongside Operation Pallial as this major investigation into historical sexual abuse in North Wales moves forward.

“I can confirm that, having carefully considered the evidence gathered so far, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge John Allen with a total of 32 serious sexual offences, and that it is in the public interest to do so.

“We have therefore authorised Operation Pallial to charge Mr Allen with these offences.”

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 1968 and 1989 against 15 children who were aged between seven and 15-years-old at the time.

Mr Allen has been remanded in custody in North Wales and is expected to appear before Magistrates in Mold tomorrow, Thursday August 1 2013.

All victims involved with this suspect are being updated on developments in the investigation by members of Operation Pallial.

Karen Mullin added:

“John Allen now stands charged with criminal offences and it is important that nothing is put into the public domain that may undermine either the ongoing police investigation or the defendant’s right to a fair trial.”

Operation Pallial, which is led by Keith Bristow, Director General of the National Crime Agency, today announced that the number of people now speaking to investigators about abuse has increased to 187.

A total of four people, including Mr Allen, have been arrested to date. The three other men remain on police bail while investigations continue. Operation Pallial is working closely with public sector agencies, charities and other organisations to ensure that all victims receive advice and support. It is never too late to report historical abuse and all information received will be professionally investigated.

The email address for members of the public to use to contact Operation Pallial is: operationpallial@soca.x.gsi.gov.uk

The public telephone number for the Incident Room is: 0800 118 1199.