Holyhead Man Jailed After Throwing Cocaine Over Fence

A 21-year-old drug dealer from Holyhead was sentenced to two years in prison today after being caught “red handed” with cocaine.

Mathew Cai Jones, of Ffordd Beibio, attempted to dispose of drugs by pretending he needed to use the toilet in an alley during a police stop, throwing a tobacco pouch containing 33 bags of white powder over a fence.

The incident occurred on November 17, 2023, when police responded to a call about a domestic argument in Holyhead at 3:30pm. Officers found Jones and his partner walking away from the scene, both denying any argument despite Jones having a cut lip.

After his arrest, police discovered £422.45 in cash on Jones and searched his home, finding a cannabis grinder, scales, Tupperware containing cocaine, other drugs, and a plastic bag with a cannabis logo. Some of the cocaine tested at 80% purity, with the total drug haul valued at £4,080 according to police experts.

Prosecutor Joseph Lees told Caernarfon Crown Court that Jones’ mobile phone contained messages evidencing drug dealing.

Defence lawyer Richard Edwards stated that Jones had been an addict in debt but had since turned his life around, entering a relationship and securing employment. The defence presented “glowing references” from staff at a Porthmadog campsite where Jones had previously worked.

However, Judge His Honour Rhys Rowlands highlighted that Jones had received a suspended sentence for possession of ketamine with intent to supply in February 2023, only to begin dealing Class A cocaine across Anglesey months later.

“You were not naive and knew the risk you were running, but nonetheless it was a risk you chose to take,” the judge told Jones, noting he had been caught “red-handed.”

Jones received a concurrent 27-month sentence for being concerned in the supply of cocaine from May to November 2023, plus a consecutive six-month term from his previous suspended sentence. No separate penalty was imposed for cannabis possession in November 2023. 💊