## Welsh Police Issue Appeals for Public’s Help in Tracing ‘Most Wanted’ Suspects
Law enforcement agencies across Wales have intensified appeals to the public in the search for multiple individuals wanted in connection with a range of alleged offences. Officials have released photographs and brief details of these individuals, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist ongoing investigations.
The appeals, which span across several police forces including South Wales Police, North Wales Police, Gwent Police and Dyfed-Powys Police, are primarily concerned with suspects sought for alleged breaches of licence conditions, recall to prison, as well as suspected involvement in various criminal activities such as assault, burglary, and drug-related offences. Authorities have underscored that cooperation from communities can prove essential in tracking down those who remain at large.
The list published this week does not represent every outstanding warrant in Wales, but rather highlights those cases for which police have issued active, public appeals since April. Agencies regularly update or remove entries from their lists as suspects are apprehended or their status changes. Notably, North Wales Police advises that some older appeals may remain online even after suspects are no longer actively pursued, pointing to the fluid and complex nature of tracking wanted people.
Among those most recently highlighted, Gwent Police are seeking assistance in locating Ryan Gifford, 42, for breaching licence conditions following his release from prison late last year. Gifford is known to have ties to areas including Taffs Well, Ferndale, and Neath. Sardi Hasani, 31, is similarly sought after alleged licence violations post-release, with links to Swansea identified. In a related trend, several names on the list are individuals recalled to prison for breaching terms of their early release.
Drug crime remains a recurrent theme: Leigh Elston, 35, from Penpedairheol, is wanted following a conviction for possession with intent to supply, whilst Russell Turner, 29, stands out due to the seriousness of crimes for which he was convicted—including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and assaulting an emergency worker. Turner, notably, failed to return to HMP Prescoed and is described by police as potentially risky, with noticeable tattoos and a scar, and should not be approached by members of the public.
Other alleged offences range from burglary—such as the cases involving Lesmond Earland Prudentinus, 57, of Splott, and Johnny Connors, 24, from Rumney—to more violent accusations. These include Sayem Rahman, 25, from Grangetown, wanted for alleged assault and threats to kill, and Darren Markes, 46, sought by Dyfed-Powys Police on suspicion of domestic assault with reported connections stretching as far as the south of England.
A number of those named have failed to attend court as required. For example, Dean Mayze, 36, was due in Merthyr Tydfil to answer a charge of grievous bodily harm but did not appear as summoned. The alleged incident, involving a corrosive substance, took place in Abercrave, Powys, in December 2022.
Police stress that public vigilance and awareness are crucial to these searches, and anyone who recognises a person listed or knows their whereabouts is urged to call 101, citing the relevant reference number. Those preferring anonymity can contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555111, and in some instances, eligibility for a financial reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
The importance of community engagement in fostering safer environments cannot be understated. Officials continually emphasise that by sharing knowledge with the authorities, the public plays a critical part in supporting criminal investigations and upholding the rule of law.
Commentary from senior officers reiterates the significance of these appeals, noting that while the individuals remain at large, operational plans are in place to ensure their apprehension as swiftly as possible. The police further remind citizens not to approach those listed, especially in cases indicating potential risk.
For ongoing updates regarding suspects, as well as advice on what steps to take should anyone encounter an individual featured in these appeals, residents are invited to consult official police social media or community pages. Additional information is also available regarding crime prevention and how to stay vigilant in local communities.