Julie Davies, 56, and Alan Morgan, 47, turned to drug dealing to help their son who had accumulated a drug debt, with Davies claiming she was put in the boot of a car and her dog taken by an organised crime gang.
Police Raid and Discovery
Police raided the couple's home in Aberbargoed, Caerphilly, on May 21, 2024, following intelligence about drug supply. Officers found cocaine and amphetamine in Morgan's BMW, along with £3,000 in cash. Paraphernalia including grip seal bags, three mobile phones, and a knife were also seized.
Prosecutor Emily Jermin told Cardiff Crown Court that the total drugs included 13.9g of cocaine (worth £750–£1,200) and over 400g of amphetamine (worth £700–£1,560).
Motivation and Guilty Pleas
Both defendants made no comment in police interviews but later entered basis of plea statements, saying they became involved in dealing to pay off their son's drug debt after receiving threats from an organised crime gang. Davies pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and amphetamine; Morgan pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of amphetamine. Morgan has one previous conviction for an irrelevant offence, while Davies has no prior convictions.
Mitigation and Sentences
In mitigation, Alex Granville for Davies said his client had been put in the boot of a car and driven around by the gang, and they had taken her dog. Davies has grandchildren and health conditions including COPD and eczema. Ben Jones for Morgan noted he cares for his mother with health issues and assists his father who cannot speak.
Recorder Christian Jowett sentenced Davies to 24 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. Morgan received nine weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to carry out 175 hours of unpaid work.
