Monthly Court Recap: Six Gwent Criminals Begin Prison Terms

From fraud against family members to disturbing sexual offences, these criminals are now behind bars for their crimes across Gwent.

Lucy Paginton, 28, from Newport, betrayed the trust of her elderly relatives by stealing £150,000 from their savings and pension to fund luxury holidays and designer clothing. Her aunt and uncle, aged 88 and 90, stated: “She has ruined our lives” – though heartbreakingly added they still loved her. She received 4 years and 2 months imprisonment.

Charlie Thacker, 28, from Newport, was sentenced to 9 years after filming himself sexually assaulting a sleeping woman. The victim discovered the horrifying footage on his iPad.

Matthew Roberts, 35, from Pontypool, described as a “committed paedophile” by Judge Shomon Khan, was jailed for 5 years for sharing videos of child abuse in a group called “Pedo Swap”. He’ll remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Former teacher Liam Cox, 29, from Blackwood, received over 4 years imprisonment for paying an underage boy for sexual videos via Snapchat. He falsely claimed to police he was being blackmailed by the victim.

Jordan Crewe, 27, from Trecenydd, was sentenced to 2 years for domestic violence offences, including strangling his girlfriend and making threats against her son.

Drug dealer Mohammed Abbas, 25, from Newport, received 7 years and 6 months for his management role in a crack cocaine operation. Police discovered £5,000 hidden in his mother’s purse during a raid. ⚖️