Craig Jones and Rhys Probert (Image: Gwent Police)
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Two men who sold heroin and cocaine on the streets of Newport have been locked up for almost four years each, while a woman linked to their operation received a suspended sentence.
Craig Jones and Rhys Probert, both 40, were each sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court. Jones’ girlfriend, Sarah Rees, 44, was given a two-year prison sentence suspended for 18 months.
The arrests
The trio were arrested last October. Probert was detained at his home on Prince Street, Newport, where officers discovered a quarter of a kilogram of heroin worth thousands of pounds.
Jones and Rees were picked up together on Rembrandt Way in Newport. A search of Jones uncovered 16 wraps of cocaine with a street value of £500 and three wraps of heroin worth £60.
The charges
Jones, of Wheeler Street, Newport, and Probert both pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and possession with intent to supply cocaine. Probert also admitted possession of a knife in public on Pugsley Street, Newport.
Rees, of Elm Drive, Ty Sign, Risca, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Criminal histories
Prosecutor Laurence Jones told the court that Jones had been sentenced to three years and six months in 2013 for the same offences – possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine.
Probert had amassed 44 previous convictions spanning 132 offences, mostly for theft and driving matters, along with one conviction for possession of an offensive weapon dating back to 2008.
Rees was a woman of previous good character with no prior record.
Defence arguments
Gareth Williams, representing Jones, said his client had been tackling his drug habit while on remand in custody since his arrest.
Harry Baker, acting for father-of-two Probert, highlighted that despite his lengthy criminal record, the defendant had no previous drug trafficking convictions.
Jon Tarrant, for Rees, said his client had “fallen from grace” and had recently begun using drugs after suffering personal problems. He described her as a “fragile individual”.
Sentencing
Recorder Greg Bull KC told Jones and Probert they would serve around half of their 45-month sentences behind bars before being released on licence.
Rees must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement. All three were ordered to pay a statutory victim surcharge.
