A cocaine dealer from Llanelli has been sentenced to four years in prison after police discovered his drug supply concealed in an unlikely place—a child’s car seat. The revelations came out at Swansea Crown Court, as the case against Andrew Howse unfolded following his arrest in April this year.
Howse, aged 35, was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Tiguan when police, acting on tip-offs, intercepted the vehicle on the Loughor bridge. Officers found 13 bags of cocaine, with a street value of up to £650, hidden beneath the padding of a child car seat. In addition, Howse was carrying £1,130 in cash at the time of his arrest, which he later claimed was from the recent sale of his personal vehicle.
During the initial stages of the investigation, Howse attempted to evade responsibility by informing police that the car belonged to his partner, insisting he rarely used the vehicle and denying all knowledge of the drugs discovered in the car. He maintained this stance in a prepared police interview statement, beside asserting that the money found was completely unrelated to any illicit activity.
However, a forensic examination of Howse’s mobile phones painted a different picture, unearthing messages that were consistent with the supply and distribution of illegal drugs. This evidence further undermined his claims of innocence and directly linked him to the operation.
Remarkably, Howse’s arrest took place just 15 days after he had received a suspended prison sentence for a firearms offence, highlighting a concerning pattern of criminal behaviour. Earlier in March, Howse had been convicted of possession of an imitation firearm with the intent to cause fear, prompting the court to issue a suspended sentence less than a fortnight before his involvement in drug dealing came to light.
Representing Howse, defence counsel James Hartson described his client as a “deeply ashamed” man who expressed significant remorse in a letter submitted to the court. Hartson added that Howse had maintained an unblemished record until this year, being regarded by others as a devoted father, committed partner, and considerate neighbour. However, the barrister acknowledged that the defendant realised the gravity of his actions, understanding fully the impact his absence will have on his children and family.
Delivering his judgment, Judge Paul Thomas KC made it clear that society expects significant custodial sentences for those involved in the supply of Class A drugs. He noted, with some disappointment, that Howse’s immediate reaction to his arrest was to “throw his partner under the bus” by placing blame on her, rather than accepting responsibility. The judge was unequivocal in his criticism, stating, “You really should have thought about your family and the impact on them when you took the decision to deal Class A drugs.”
Taking into account Howse’s early guilty plea, the court applied a one-quarter reduction to his sentence for possession of cocaine with intent to supply, landing at three years of imprisonment. In addition to this, the judge activated the previously suspended 12-month sentence for the firearms offence, adding it consecutively to the drugs conviction and bringing the total custodial sentence to four years.
Under the sentencing guidelines, Howse will likely serve half of his sentence in prison before being released on licence to complete the remainder in the community. This case highlights yet again the serious consequences faced by those caught dealing Class A substances, particularly when such actions follow closely after earlier warnings from the courts.
The circumstances surrounding the concealment of illegal substances in a child’s car seat have drawn sharp criticism, prompting concerns about the lengths to which individuals may go to evade detection by law enforcement. The judge, in his closing remarks, emphasized the need for reflection on the impact such decisions have—not only on the lives of offenders themselves but also on their families and communities at large.
As the case concludes, it serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent challenges faced by police in tackling drug crime, and the legal system’s continued resolve in delivering firm sentences to those who flout the law.
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