A notorious burglar, Ben Llewellyn, who had previously targeted the home of Swansea City legend Garry Monk, has once again found himself on the wrong side of the law. This time, Llewellyn was apprehended for selling heroin and cocaine on the streets, as revealed in court proceedings at Swansea Crown Court. The 39-year-old offender was taken into custody after police observed him donning a balaclava while riding his bicycle, prompting suspicion due to recent vehicle crimes in the area.
Subsequently, a chase ensued leading to Llewellyn’s arrest, where law enforcement discovered a cache of Class A drugs in his possession. Shockingly, investigations into Llewellyn’s phone unveiled incriminating messages related to the distribution of heroin and cocaine, including one instance where a potential buyer offered to exchange a Pandora bracelet for drugs. It was disclosed that during his drug-dealing activities, Llewellyn was out on bail following charges of assaulting his former partner.
This isn’t the first time Llewellyn has made headlines for criminal activities. In 2014, he was handed a six-year sentence for a spate of burglaries in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, notably including a break-in at Garry Monk’s residence, where valuable jewellery, including wedding rings, was stolen. The recent arrest in Morriston this year involved finding cocaine and heroin, along with cash, in Llewellyn’s possession, shedding light on his ongoing criminal behaviour.
Upon scrutiny of Llewellyn’s background, it was revealed that he has a lengthy rap sheet, with 27 previous convictions for 68 offences primarily centred around dishonest acts such as burglaries. Despite serving time in prison and showing signs of reformation upon his release in 2018, Llewellyn’s involvement in drug dealing points to a relapse into criminal activities. His defence counsel cited a turbulent upbringing intertwined with drug abuse, which contributed to his recurring encounters with the law from a young age.
During sentencing, Judge Huw Rees urged Llewellyn to reflect on his choices as he nears his 40th birthday, hinting at a pivotal moment for self-examination and change. With a history marred by criminal endeavours and substance abuse, Llewellyn received a 51-month prison term for charges related to drug possession and supply, assault, and possession of bladed articles. This latest chapter in Llewellyn’s criminal saga serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted challenges faced by individuals caught in a cycle of offending and addiction.
Llewellyn’s run-ins with the law have not only tarnished his own reputation but have also impacted the lives of those he targeted, including prominent figures like Garry Monk. The consequences of his actions extend beyond legal repercussions, highlighting the destructive ripple effects of criminal behaviour on individuals and communities. As Llewellyn embarks on another chapter behind bars, the hope for rehabilitation and breaking free from the cycle of crime remains a distant yet vital pursuit in his journey towards redemption.