Judge tells drugs dad to expect no mercy

Apr 16 2008 By Abby Alford

A CYNON Valley drug dealer has admitted possessing exploding bullets banned by international law.

Bernard Davies, aged 49, also pleaded guilty to illegally keeping a number of guns, including a pump-action shotgun and a revolver.

Cardiff’s top criminal judge branded the exploding ammunition, designed to cause horrendous injuries by fragmenting on impact, as "inhumane".

And he warned Davies he would "show no mercy" when it comes to sentencing.

The Recorder of Cardiff Judge Nicholas Cooke QC said Davies had an unhealthy attitude to firearms and faces at least five years in jail.

"No mercy can be shown in these circumstances," he told the hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

Davies also admitted possessing cocaine for personal use, together with large amounts of amphetamine and cannabis, which he intended to sell.

The drugs and weapons were seized by teams of police officers from across the South Wales force area when they raided his house in Aman Street, Cwmaman.

Officers also raided a lock-up garage nearby and other properties in the area on the morning of Thursday, December 6.

Davies, who has a long-term partner and six children aged between 10 and 24, was arrested at his house and has been in custody ever since.

Judge Cooke said the Winchester-make exploding ammunition, commonly known as Dum Dums, was not only illegal in the UK, but had been banned by the international community on humanitarian grounds.

"It is prohibited by international law," he said.

But Andrew Taylor, representing Davies, said: "There is no evidence that any of these weapons have ever been fired."

He added Davies was heavily involved in the motorcycle community, has a fascination with motorcycles and had used shotgun cartridges to customise bikes.

"Some of these weapons may have been used as enhancements," said Mr Taylor, who handed over pictures of his client’s customised bikes to Cardiff Crown Court.

But Judge Cooke said: "Such matters might be indicative of a not entirely healthy attitude to firearms."

Roger Griffiths, prosecuting, said more than £40,000 had also been seized from Davies’ house.

He signalled the prosecution’s intention to begin proceedings for the confiscation of Davies’ assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Davies is to be sentenced at a later date.

Judge Cooke said: "These are exceptionally serious offences and Parliament requires me to impose severe sentences in such circumstances."

Bernard Davies has admitted possessing exploding ammunition, a Smith & Wesson pump action shotgun, an Argentine .22 calibre double-action revolver, a single barrel shotgun, 45 solid lead bullets, two charges of possessing shotgun cartridges, two charges of possessing stun guns, a canister of CS gas and possessing cocaine.

He has also admitted two charges of possessing amphetamine, a Class B drug, with intent to supply and cannabis resin, a Class C drug, with intent to supply.