Thomas Doyle (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
A 23-year-old from Pontlottyn has been sentenced to 42 months in prison after officers discovered Class A drugs worth more than £50,000 and an arsenal of weapons during a pursuit through the south Wales valleys.
Thomas Doyle appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Monday, where he was sentenced for offences including dealing cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin.
The pursuit and arrest
Officers spotted the Vauxhall Astra Doyle was travelling in as it passed through Rhymney and believed its occupants were behaving suspiciously. When police attempted to pull the vehicle over, it failed to stop – though the pursuit was short-lived.
The car was later located parked up in Pontlottyn with three people inside. Police boxed the vehicle in, but Doyle got out of the driver’s seat and fled into a wooded area carrying a large blue carrier bag. He was quickly detained and handcuffed.
What officers found
Prosecutor Jason Howells told the court that searches of both Doyle and the Astra uncovered significant quantities of drugs. Officers recovered 249g of cocaine, 20g of crack cocaine, and 238g of heroin, all mixed with adulterants. The total street value was estimated at between £50,620 and £50,780.
Cash, mobile phones, a small quantity of cannabis, and a Canada Goose jacket were also seized. Inside the car, police found a machete, 19 nunchucks, and a metal baseball bat.
Phone evidence
Examination of a Nokia phone recovered from Doyle revealed messages linked to drug supply, including so-called text bombs in which he stated he was “active”.
Guilty pleas and mitigation
Doyle, of Sunny View, Pontlottyn, pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply, possession of a Class B drug, two counts of possessing offensive weapons, and possessing a bladed article. He had two previous convictions for driving offences.
Defence counsel Richard Ace told the court his client had been a heavy user of cocaine and cannabis, and drank alcohol to excess. He said Doyle had developed a gambling problem that left him with a £15,000 debt, and had turned to dealing after losing his job.
Sentencing
Judge Celia Hughes told Doyle: “You know when you began selling drugs you were taking a risk with your freedom.”
He was sentenced to a total of 42 months in prison.
