CARMARTHEN woman, Lynne Leyson, 53-years-old was sentenced on Tuesday (8 Oct) after being convicted of breaching her bail conditions and evading capture for 16 months. Leyson was arrested by Dyfed-Powys Police on Monday (16 Sep) following a raid at Pibwr Farm in Carmarthen.
Leyson had been on the run since 2023 after failing to attend court to escape the justice system. In addition to the breach of bail, she was charged with failure to surrender on Friday (21 Jul) 2023. Leyson played a significant role in a drug-dealing operation involving the possession of 592 grams of cocaine, valued between £47,760 and £60,200, as well as 1.4 grams of cannabis, valued at £15,615. During the raid, police seized £17,190 in cash and a semi-automatic pistol.
The criminal organisation of which Leyson was a part used firearms, knives, and Doberman dogs to intimidate local villagers. A 26-year-old woman was also arrested during the raid on suspicion of assisting the offender and has since been released on bail pending further investigations.
Earlier this year, Leyson’s husband, Stephen Leyson, 56, and their son, Samson Leyson, 25, were sentenced to a combined total of 17 years at Swansea Crown Court. Stephen received 11 years for possession of a firearm and conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, while Samson was sentenced to six years for conspiracy to supply the same drugs. Other associates of the Leyson family were also sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy. Coleman received two years and four months, while Calver-Roberts was given a suspended two-year sentence for conspiracy to supply cocaine and a concurrent suspended eight-month sentence for cannabis-related offences. Andrew Jenkins, another associate, was sentenced to nine months for his involvement in the supply of Class B drugs.
Leyson was sentenced to a total of nine years and two months, for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and for possessing criminal property. The sentence includes an additional two months for the breach of bail. Her Honour Judge C Richards stated that it was clear that Leyson’s efforts to evade capture were deliberate and well thought out.
Detective Chief Inspector Rhys Jones, who led the search for Leyson, commended the persistence of officers and the public for their assistance. He emphasized that this arrest sends a clear message that organized crime groups operating in Dyfed-Powys will be brought to justice.
