Robert Thomas, a 72-year-old former taxi boss and oil refinery worker, admitted possession of cocaine with intent to supply after police intercepted him in Neath town centre on May 9, 2026. He had been offered £300 to deliver a package containing 123g of cocaine, valued at approximately £3,500, from Pontardawe to Neath.
Police Interception
Prosecutor John Tarrant told Swansea Crown Court that officers on patrol became suspicious of a VW T-Roc being driven slowly around back streets. When they approached the vehicle, Thomas indicated the driver's door pocket, saying, "It's in the door by there." Officers recovered the cocaine, a balaclava, a phone, and £110 in cash.
Defendant's Background
Thomas, of Brwynen Las, Waunceirch, Neath, had previously worked for the council, the gas board, and spent 15 years at BP Llandarcy oil refinery before running his own taxi business. He has been married for 30 years. However, he has seven previous convictions for 11 offences between 1973 and 2023, including supplying cannabis in 2004 and amphetamine in 2023.
Court Sentencing
Defence barrister Ian Ibrahim argued that Thomas was "used by others" who knew he was vulnerable and needed money. He noted that Thomas suffers from chronic health conditions, making his two months on remand "particularly difficult." Recorder Christian Jowett gave Thomas a one-third discount for his guilty plea and sentenced him to 22 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, along with a rehabilitation course.
