Drug dealing duo in ‘chaotic' scuffle with police at Welsh train station

Wales Online

6 days ago

Drug dealing duo in 'chaotic' scuffle with police at Welsh train station
The judge said the pair had caused a chaotic and dangerous scene for members of the public in an attempt to conceal evidence
Aberystwyth train station where the drug dealing couple were arrested by police officers
(Image: Google Maps )
A drug dealing duo stopped by police at a Welsh train station caused a 'chaotic' scuffle in an attempt to conceal evidence, a court has heard. Dyfed-Powys Police officers stopped Lee Southan, 39, and Claire Lloyd, 35, on a train heading towards the station at Aberystwyth suspecting the pair were in possession of drugs at the time.
While Southan was being detained by officers at the station in the town centre he threatened to injure one officer by breaking their nose. He then began demanding he could speak to Lloyd before he was arrested.
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Officers then witnessed Southan and Lloyd hug under the pretence they were wishing each other goodbye while in reality Southan was handing over a bag of white powder which Lloyd then released onto the floor before telling officers: 'You've got f*** all now.'
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But the force seized a sports bag containing six ounces of cannabis with a street value of over £1,500 as well as Lloyd's mobile phone which contained messages consistent with the supply of cannabis.
When interviewed Southan said all of the cannabis recovered belonged to him and was for his personal use. He answered no comment to all questions.
Lloyd gave a prepared statement in which she said she didn't know what was in the sports bag.
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Southan, of Bridge Street, had 17 previous convictions for 29 offences. Lloyd, of Thespian Street, had no previous convictions.
Ian Ibrahim, for Southan, told the court his client had pleaded guilty at a plea and trial preparation hearing and he had no relevant drug offence convictions in the past decade.
Mr Ibrahim also highlighted the delay in the case, telling the court the incident at the station dated back two years to April 11, 2023.
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Mr Ibrahim explained Southan had a difficult upbringing. His father left the family home when Southan was a young boy and his mum was an alcoholic, he said.
Southan was expelled from school at the age of 13 and had no qualifications. At 16 he failed to complete a bricklaying course because his son was born.
Mr Ibrahim said while his client had an addiction to class A drugs he has been clean for a while and is 'settled' in his own accommodation in Aberystwyth.
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Jon Tarrant, for Lloyd, said she had children who relied on her and stressed his client's previous clean character.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.
Judge Christopher Felstead told the pair in the dock: 'You created a chaotic and dangerous scene. Mr Southan, you were challenged by two officers and you threatened to 'kick off' and assault them.'
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Southan began shaking his head, to which the judge said: 'Do not shake your head.' To which Southan responded: 'I'm not shaking my head because I disagree. I'm shaking my head because I'm disgusted with myself.'
Judge Felstead continued: 'When the train got to the platform, Ms Lloyd you approached and between the two of you you threatened officers and tried to escape and dispose of the drugs you were carrying.
'Again, it was a fairly chaotic and dangerous scene for members of the public. Mr Southan, during interview you said the drugs were for your own use and Ms Lloyd you said you didn't know what was in the bag.'
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He sentenced Southan to 12 months custody suspended for 18 months. He also imposed a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Lloyd was sentenced to nine months custody suspended to 12 months. She also refused a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.