The head of a family-based crime gang who spent 14 months on the run from the police was found with fake doctor’s ID and a set of medical scrubs when she was arrested, a court has heard. Lynne Leyson went to ground after being convicted of being the driving force in a major drug dealing operation prompting a large-scale investigation to find her, which spanned the UK and reached into Ireland and Spain.
Swansea Crown Court heard that after evading authorities for a total of 429 days, the fugitive was finally apprehended at her family home in Carmarthenshire. Upon her arrest, she was found in possession of items that raised concerns, including an NHS lanyard in the name of a consultant called Lynne Bailey, medical scrubs, a stethoscope, and what appeared to be details about patients.
In May last year, Leyson was convicted alongside her husband Stephen and son Samson of conspiracy to supply drugs and was granted bail pending her sentencing. However, she failed to attend three sentencing hearings, resulting in her being sentenced in absentia to nine years in prison on September 15. Leyson was finally arrested on September 16 this year after 14 months on the run and appeared before the court the next day, where she was committed to prison to serve her sentence.
Ieuan Rees, prosecuting, detailed the extensive investigation conducted to locate Leyson during her time as a fugitive. This investigation involved examining the movements of vehicles associated with the Leyson family, conducting regular Border Agency checks, investigating telecommunication usage and financial transactions, checking NHS databases, and coordinating with police forces across Wales and England.
One notable aspect of the investigation was the collaboration with Sussex Police, following intelligence suggesting Leyson had purchased a sailing vessel in Brighton Marina. During her time on the run, Leyson changed her name by deed poll to Caldicot, and authorities also worked with Interpol to follow leads in Spain and Ireland.
Ultimately, Leyson was arrested at her family smallholding in Capel Dewi, Carmarthen on September 16 after weeks of tracking her movements. The court was informed that items of concern were found in her possession, including the fake NHS lanyard and scrubs.
In court, Leyson pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to court and her defence lawyer, Hywel Davies, explained that the mitigating circumstances for her actions were limited. The judge, Catherine Richards, described Leyson’s evasion as deliberate, planned, and sophisticated, noting the significant police resources required to locate her. Judge Richards emphasised that Leyson’s offence undermined people’s confidence in the justice system and sentenced her to an additional two months in prison, to be served consecutively to her existing nine-year sentence.
The Leyson family operated a criminal network from their compound in Capel Dewi, supplying significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea. During a police raid in October 2021, authorities discovered drugs with a street value of tens of thousands of pounds, a large sum of cash, and a semi-automatic pistol belonging to Stephen Leyson. Following a trial, Stephen, Lynne, and Samson Leyson were convicted of drug supply conspiracies, with Stephen also convicted of firearm possession. Stephen received an 11-year prison sentence, Lynne nine years, and Samson six years.
This case highlights the ramifications of engaging in criminal activities and attempting to evade justice, underscoring the determination of law enforcement to pursue and apprehend individuals involved in serious criminal operations.