On-the-run drug dealer found with nurse scrubs

Lynne Leyson was arrested at her home in Carmarthen after 14 months on the run

A drug dealer who changed her name and went on the run for 14 months was found with an NHS lanyard and scrubs at her home.

Lynne Leyson, 53, fled her home in Carmarthen after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possessing criminal property in May 2023.

Swansea Crown Court heard "extensive inquiries" were made in the search for Leyson, including involvement from Interpol.

After 429 days on the run, she returned to Pibwr Farm to say her goodbyes but was arrested and has now had an extra two months added to her nine-year sentence for failing to surrender.

Prosecuting barrister Ieuan Rees said efforts to track down Leyson included wanted person posters, border checks and social media investigations, alongside an Interpol inquiry and analysis of travel patterns of associates.

Addressing Leyson, who appeared via video-link from Eastwood Park Prison, Judge Catherine Richards said her actions were "deliberate and sophisticated".

Leyson was convicted alongside her partner and son in May 2023, but she failed to appear for her sentencing that July.

She was sentenced in her absence on 15 September 2023 and finally arrested by police on 16 September 2024.

Leyson, her partner and their son used guns, knives and dobermans to threaten villagers suspicious of goings on at the remote farm in Carmarthen.

Mr Rees said the NHS lanyard and scrubs found when Leyson was arrested have been passed to the relevant health board for any potential "internal investigation".

Defence barrister Hwyel Davies said the NHS items were for "fancy dress" and that Leyson had returned home "with the intention of handing herself in".

This story was updated on 15 October to clarify that the nurse's lanyard and scrubs were found at Lynne Leyson's home and that she was not wearing them at the time of her arrest.