TV drama-style real-life crime family story concluded this week (2024)

It was like something out of a TV drama - a family ensconced on a remote Carmarthenshire farm and operating an illicit drugs business from the rural location. When they made themselves a little too high profile with the neighbours, their criminal world came tumbling down after the police knocked on the door.

But that, and the trial that followed, weren't the end of the story. That came this week when someone described as Wales' most wanted woman finally found herself behind bars, having been on the run from police for 16 months after being the "dominant force" in the crime family.

The story begins in a secluded compound, nestled on a narrow country lane in the countryside, far from the public eye. The smallholding, with its collection of cabins, sheds, old vehicles, guard dogs and signs warning of CCTV cameras, didn't reveal much to the casual observer. For the latest Carmarthenshire news, sign up to our newsletter here.

The nature of the business conducted behind the front gates wasn't immediately apparent to outsiders. However, when police stormed the property one autumn morning, equipped with search teams and sniffer dogs, they knew precisely what they were after.

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Stephen and Lynne Leyson, along with their son Samson, had resided at Pibwr Farm near the village of Capel Dewi - around six miles east of Carmarthen - for over 10 years. Some local families expressed unease about them; whispers circulated about the Leysons, including talk of weapons, while concerns were raised about vehicles associated with the address being driven recklessly on the narrow lanes in the vicinity around their farm.

The Leyson family had also previously caught the attention of Dyfed-Powys Police due to their involvement in a drug dealing operation across south west Wales. They were the focus of a special investigation named Operation Hilston, which revealed that they supplied and somewhat controlled a network of street dealers in south west Wales.

The Leysons' downfall began in the early hours of October 27, 2021, when police executed a search warrant at the family's compound. Later that day and into the next, a full-scale search was carried out on the smallholding and its various buildings, sheds, storage units and caravans. In the main accommodation on the site police discovered 120g of cannabis, over £17,000 in cash hidden in various locations, and digital weighing scales with traces of white powder. An additional 290g of cannabis was found in a nearby dog shed, while a further kilogram of the drug was discovered concealed in a suitcase in the corner of a field.

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The gang's stash of cocaine was discovered by police sniffer dog Billy in a wooden chalet. The same dog later picked up the scent of the Class A drug in a nearby field, leading his handler to a hedge where a green bag containing £60,000 worth of cocaine was hidden. In a separate search, a cabin in the compound revealed a small canvas bag concealed in the cavity space between the ceiling and roof sheets. Inside the bag was a 9mm semi-automatic self-loading pistol that had been modified to fire live ammunition - believed to be the first firearm of its kind ever found in the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

All items seized at the property underwent forensic examination. In the following weeks and months, detectives pieced together the crime family's operation and identified the dealers used by the Leysons to sell the drugs on streets from Pembroke to Swansea - including one known as Mr Pickles.

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After a two-week trial at Swansea Crown Court in May this year, Stephen Paul Leyson, 55, Lynne Leyson, 51, and their 22-year-old son Samson Leyson were found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. Stephen Leyson, who has a history of "repeated offences before various courts over the years" including inflicting grievous bodily harm, was also convicted of possession of a firearm. In July, he was handed an 11-year prison sentence and his son Samson was jailed for six years.

Judge Catherine Richards, while sentencing the male defendants, stated that the Leysons had been operating a significant drug dealing operation in west Wales. She acknowledged that the son had been drawn into his parents' criminal lifestyle but emphasised that he had done so "willingly" and had profited from it. The judge also "entirely rejected" Stephen Leyson's claim that he had discovered the gun and intended to surrender it to the police, asserting her belief that the weapon was intended to intimidate people, at the very least.

After the verdicts were reached, Dyfed-Powys Police's detective chief inspector (DCI) Rhys Jones said: "The Leyson family are an organised crime group who tried to make a quick buck by selling large quantities of cocaine and cannabis to sub-dealers across south west Wales. We hope this case sends a clear message that we are continuously working to disrupt the supply of illegal substances in our force area and will prosecute anyone who tries to spread their misery through our communities for financial gain."

Lynne Leyson failed to appear in court having skipped bail and was sentenced to nine years in prison in her absence, with the judge labelling her as the "dominant force" behind the criminal enterprise. She continued to evade police for 16 months until she was finally caught and arrested in the Dyfed-Powys Police area on Sunday night (September 15) having travelled "extensively across the UK" during her time on the run. A 26-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been released on police bail pending further police enquiries.

Police said enquiries to locate Leyson had included "significant investigative resources" being utilised, a UK-wide wanted person appeal, and an appeal for information on the Crimewatch TV programme. DCI Rhys Jones, who led the search, thanked members of the public for the help they had provided. He said: "The arrest shows our determination to find those who think they can evade justice. I would like to thank officers for their commitment, dedication, support, and persistence in bringing this element of the investigation to a successful conclusion.

"I would like to thank members of the public for their assistance and information provided over the last 16 months which has been greatly appreciated. This will send a strong message that the activities of those individuals linked to Organised Crime Groups operating within the area of Dyfed-Powys will not be tolerated, and that they will be brought to justice”.

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TV drama-style real-life crime family story concluded this week (2024)
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