Paintball gun fired through letterbox in drugs debt row

A bizarre early-morning attack in Pembroke Dock saw two men fire a paintball gun through their victim’s letterbox to intimidate him over a drugs debt—only to have the entire incident captured on CCTV.

Simon Bowen and Kyle Allerton were caught on camera committing the offence against Brett Lesman on Saturday, August 2. A third defendant, Christopher Rees, then appeared on the footage entering the scene and stealing the security camera after the other two had fled.

The incident occurred during the early hours of the morning, and Bowen didn’t get far. Police pulled over his BMW on Hamilton Terrace in Milford Haven shortly afterwards, leading to discoveries that went far beyond the paintball gun attack.

Officers examining Bowen’s phone found evidence he was involved in cocaine supply, with details of prices, quantities and deliveries. A search of his home uncovered a Taser, knuckleduster and pepper spray.

At Swansea Crown Court, 35-year-old Bowen, of Church Terrace, Monkton, Pembroke, admitted possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of cocaine and three weapons charges. He had no previous convictions.

Jon Tarrant, representing Bowen, told the court: “The defendant has no previous convictions – this offending was out of character. He was involved in low level drug dealing, supplying a small number of people he knew.”

Allerton, aged 27 and of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He had 12 previous convictions for 28 offences. His barrister, Dean Pulling, said: “This was an offence of stupidity which he very much regrets.”

Rees, 35, of Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, admitted theft and has three previous convictions for three offences. The court heard he was “the least involved” of the trio.

Recorder Neil Owen-Casey told Bowen and Allerton: “You intended to cause fear and distress to your victim.”

Bowen was jailed for 33 months, whilst Allerton received 34 months and two weeks. Rees was locked up for 30 weeks, meaning he was released immediately due to time already served on remand.

All three defendants were made subject to five-year restraining orders preventing them from contacting Mr Lesman, and must all pay a victim surcharge.