Christian Byrne (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 32 seconds ago
A man has been sentenced to more than three years behind bars after police uncovered a cocaine supply operation following a routine traffic stop near Chepstow on Boxing Day last year.
Christian Byrne, 42, of Rockfield Place, Undy, was handed 42 months in prison at Newport Crown Court. His partner, Kristina Lang, 25, of Penrhiw, Brynithel, Abertillery, was spared jail and given a 27-month sentence suspended for 30 months.
The traffic stop
Byrne was pulled over while driving a Vauxhall Corsa on the A48 between Chepstow and Caldicot on December 26. He had been disqualified from driving and had no insurance.
When officers searched the vehicle, a lock knife with a two-and-a-half inch blade was discovered in Byrne’s jacket pocket. Lang was also searched and asked whether she was carrying any drugs. She began hyperventilating and called out for Byrne. Cocaine was then found concealed in her right sock, with an estimated street value of between £840 and £1,160. Officers also recovered £400 in cash and three mobile phones from the pair.
What police found at home
A subsequent search of Byrne’s address led to the seizure of 54.9g of cocaine, valued at between £3,360 and £5,600. Prosecutor Alex Orndal told the court that £100 in cash was also found hidden beneath a sofa cushion. Byrne admitted involvement in cannabis supply but denied selling cocaine.
Phone evidence
Messages recovered from Byrne’s phone, stretching back to 2020, showed he had been involved in supplying both cocaine and cannabis over a sustained period. Lang’s phone revealed she had been organising drug deals, arranging for payments into her bank account, and advertising the sale of “Cali” cannabis by the ounce.
An earlier encounter
The court also heard that Byrne had already come to the attention of police weeks before the Boxing Day stop. On December 3, he was found as a passenger in a Ford Transit parked on a garage forecourt. He told officers there was cannabis inside the van, and an ounce of the drug was recovered. He claimed it was for personal use, but phone evidence again pointed to ongoing supply.
Guilty pleas
Byrne pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine, possession of cannabis, and possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis. Lang admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.
Defence arguments
Josh Scouller, representing Byrne, told the court his client had developed a cocaine addiction that worsened after the death of his father. He said Byrne had used his time on remand in custody to seek access to drug rehabilitation services.
Sol Hartley, acting for Lang, described his client as significantly younger than Byrne and “vulnerable to his influence.” He told the court she had experienced a “traumatic” childhood.
Sentencing
Judge Eugene Egan sentenced Byrne to 42 months in prison and disqualified him from driving for four years. Lang received a 27-month prison sentence suspended for 30 months, along with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and a £500 fine.
