A HEFTY jail sentence for a man involved in dealing cocaine should “serve as a warning” that the supply of Class A drugs in Powys communities will not be tolerated, say police.
Guy Charles Christian Bedford was jailed for more than four year at Swansea Crown Court this week for a string of offences – including being involved in the supply of cocaine and dangerous driving.
“This sentence should serve as a warning that Dyfed-Powys Police will not tolerate the supply of class A drugs into our communities,” said the force in a statement.
“We will relentlessly target those who engage in the supply of illegal substances.”
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Bedford, 26, first came to the attention of police after he crashed following a high speed chase near Llandrindod Wells last October – during which he was observed driving in excess of 100 miles per hour.
Bedford was described as driving at “breakneck speed” during the incident, which occurred on the evening of October 25, 2022, before he crashed and fled the scene.
Bedford briefly escaped but then had to be rescued by firefighters after falling down a ravine.
Bedford, of North Court, Haverfordwest, admitted a string of driving offences at Landrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court last December, including dangerous driving.
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He was at the time subject to a suspended sentence for drugs possession and has also come to the attention of police since, including being charged with supplying cocaine.
The chase last October occurred after PCs Hellier and Morgan originally pulled Bedford over in Llananno.
He then sped off and a pursuit ensued, with Bedford chased by officers before a stinger device was deployed by other officers in Crossgates, leading to him crashing the car after driving over a roundabout.
The stinger device deflated three tyres and he eventually lost control, destroying signage boards and chevrons on the roundabout in the village, just a few miles from Landrindod.
The defendant fled but could then be heard shouting for help from within a wooded area about 40 minutes later. Police located him down a ravine and the fire service had to be called to rescue him.
Bedford admitted further charges of possessing cannabis and cocaine in January and February this year, while he was also arrested on a separate date in January and charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine.
On the latter occasion, Bedford was a passenger in a car pulled over by police and was found to be in possession of 57 grams of cocaine – worth an estimated £5,700 on the street.
Judge Paul Thomas jailed Bedford for four years and six months in total.
To report anything suspicious or concerns about the selling and taking of drugs in the community, contact Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, email 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or call 101.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
To seek advice and support, visit https://barod.cymru/where-to-get-help/west-wales-services/ddas-dyfed-drug-and-alcohol-service/.
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