Newport dealer jailed again weeks after prison release

A Newport man who had barely tasted freedom before returning to drug dealing has been jailed for nearly four years after being caught with cocaine worth more than £4,000.

Jonathan Tovey, 22, of Broad Mead Park, was arrested last December carrying 64 grams of cocaine with a street value of between £2,888 and £4,280. Police also found a small amount of cannabis weighing 0.4 grams and £205 in cash on him.

The defendant had only recently been released on licence from a 28-month sentence handed down in January 2025 for possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of cannabis and possession of criminal property. He was already back dealing drugs to repay debts owed to criminals higher up the chain.

At Swansea Crown Court, Tovey admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of cannabis. Prosecutor Rose Glanville told the court: “He played a significant role and his offending is aggravated by his previous conviction.”

Tovey gave a no comment interview when questioned by detectives.

Judge Paul Thomas KC delivered a stark warning to the young dealer, telling his barrister Sol Hartley: “He is wasting some of the best years of his life in custody. He needs to grow up and not find himself in middle age without having the life most of us have had.”

Defence barrister Mr Hartley explained: “He’s a long way from the top of the tree and pressure was placed on him to repay a debt from his last conviction. The defendant is making good progress in custody and is hoping to get a job when he is released.”

Addressing Tovey directly, Judge Thomas said: “Others were chasing you for money. You need to grow up otherwise you will find yourself in your 30s without having had much of a life.”

The 22-year-old was sentenced to three years and eight months imprisonment. He will serve half of that term behind bars before being released and could face a proceeds of crime hearing.