Adam Challenger and Luke Challenger (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago
Two brothers have been sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after police found them in possession of cocaine, a large quantity of cash and an arsenal of weapons at their homes in Rassau, Ebbw Vale.
Adam Challenger, 44, was handed a three-year prison sentence, while his younger brother Luke Challenger, 33, received 28 months behind bars.
Sentencing
Recorder Greg Bull KC told the pair: “Those who deal in class A drugs deal in misery. These are serious offences.”
Both brothers are due to appear at a proceeds of crime hearing on August 13.
Early morning raids
The pair were arrested in February after counter terrorism officers executed raids at their respective addresses in Rassau.
Officers searching Adam Challenger’s home in Glyndwr Road recovered a crossbow, axes, knuckledusters and throwing knives. At Luke Challenger’s property at Pen Y Crug, police found arrows, knives and a slingshot.
Drugs and cash
Prosecutor Jeffrey Jones told the court that Adam Challenger was found with 123g of cocaine, estimated to have a street value of between £19,000 and £24,000. He also had £72,155 in cash. Adam Challenger claimed part of the money had come from selling classic Volkswagen cars.
Luke Challenger had less than 15g of cocaine valued at £870, along with £1,617.16 in cash.
Guilty pleas and criminal history
Adam Challenger admitted being concerned in the supply of a class A drug and possession of criminal property. He has 22 previous convictions for 46 offences, including violence and possession of offensive weapons.
Luke Challenger pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property. He has three previous convictions for seven offences, including assaults and public disorder.
Defence mitigation
Sol Hartley, representing Adam Challenger, said: “He was selling cocaine to fund his own habit. The defendant had no influence on those above him in the chain and there is genuine remorse.”
William Bebb, acting for father-of-three Luke Challenger, told the court his client had applied for a grass cutting job with Blaenau Gwent council. He added: “This was a small-scale operation – he wasn’t funding a lavish lifestyle. There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”
The court also heard that neither brother had previous convictions of a similar nature.
