Builder, 74, jailed for dealing heroin from Gwynedd home

Arthur Hughes has been sentenced to three years and two months in prison for dealing heroin from his home near Bangor.

The 74-year-old, of Maes Bleddyn, Rachub, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug alongside two counts of possessing criminal property at Caernarfon Crown Court.

The raid

Officers searching Hughes’ property in Gwynedd on August 8 last year recovered 48 wraps of heroin valued at up to £33,600 on the street. Cutting agents were also seized, along with £15,020 in cash.

Prosecutor Ben Stanley told the court: “It was deemed to be a typical strength (16%) for diamorphine (heroin), sold on the street in the north west.”

Hughes was interviewed following the search but denied that any illegal drugs were being stored at his home. He was subsequently released on bail.

Further police encounters

On October 15, officers stopped and searched Hughes and recovered a mobile phone. Analysis of the device revealed movement across the north west of Wales, the court was told.

Forensic testing also established that Hughes’ DNA was present on the heroin seized during the August operation.

A third arrest came on January 7 this year after officers attended his address and found just under £5,000 in cash in the living room. Hughes maintained his denial of any involvement in drug dealing when interviewed again.

Defence

Richard Edwards, defending, told the court his client had entered an early guilty plea and described him as a retired builder with “a lengthy successful employment history.”

Mr Edwards highlighted that Hughes was in his 70s, in poor health, and had caring responsibilities. He said there had been no offending since 2019.

The court was told, however, that Hughes has amassed 17 previous convictions for a total of 39 offences. His sole prior drug conviction, received in 2019, had resulted in a suspended sentence.

Sentencing

Imposing the sentence, Judge Simon Mills told Hughes: “It is rare to see a man of your age involving yourself in this sort of behaviour.”

The judge described the illegal sale of drugs as “evil” as he handed down a term of three years and two months’ imprisonment.

Hughes will spend up to half of that time in custody, with the remainder served on licence. A Proceeds of Crime Act investigation will follow, with a hearing to be listed at a later date.