local news

Three men convicted of firearms offences are to be sentenced next month…

Written by Gavin on 15th October 2021

Shots were fired through a bedroom window in Aberdare back in February.

Oliver Pearce, 30, of Ynyslyn Road, Rhydyfelin, Ricky Webber, 29, of Nythbran Terrace, Porth and James Drakes, 34, of Edmondes Street, Tylorstown were convicted for their part in a reckless shooting through the bedroom window of a terraced property in Windsor Street, Trecynon on February 1st, 2021.

At 9:35pm, the three men travelled to the location in Oliver Pearce’s white BMW. They pulled-up outside the house where Pearce and Drakes got out the car and began to shout the name of the occupant.

Drakes, armed with a handgun, shot a number of times through the upstairs window from inside the car before the three men sped off from the scene.

Police recovered two bullets lodged in the roof of the house, having travelled through the upstairs bedroom window and the ceiling.

Pearce was arrested the following day by police, and Webber was arrested two days after. Drakes was arrested on February 11.

Following a complex investigation by the Criminal Investigations Unit, all three men were charged and pleaded not guilty so the case was sent for trial.

On Wednesday, October 13 at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, Oliver Pearce and James Drakes pleaded not guilty to attempted murder but guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possessing a firearm in a public place. Ricky Webber was found guilty of possessing a firearm in a public place.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lewis said: “Crimes involving firearms are extremely rare. These were very serious offences and I hope the convictions sends a clear message that anybody involved in the illegal possession and use of firearms can expect to face time in prison.

“With the community’s help, my team of detectives left no stone unturned to ensure these three men were brought to justice. I would like to thank my team and those who came forward to assist with our investigation.”

All three men will be sentenced on 5th November.