A Swindon man has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison after being caught with a machete and heroin just two weeks after his release from prison.
Leonard Howard, 20, of Harding Street, was arrested on June 10 after being spotted by police in the Upham Road area of Swindon. Howard, who was wearing a black balaclava and riding an illegal e-bike, attempted to flee from officers but was detained shortly afterward. Upon his arrest, police found a large machete concealed in his trousers, along with a mobile phone and a significant amount of cash.
A search of an address linked to Howard led to the discovery of a substantial quantity of heroin, drug paraphernalia associated with drug dealing, and more cash.
Further investigative work by the Serious Youth Gang Violence Team and the Swindon Central South Neighbourhood Policing Team uncovered extensive evidence on Howard’s mobile phone, confirming his involvement in the supply of class A drugs in Swindon.
Howard pleaded guilty to charges of being concerned in the supply of heroin between May and June 2024 and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was sentenced on Tuesday, September 3, at Swindon Crown Court.
PC Aidan Hillier, from the Serious Youth Gang Violence Team, welcomed the sentencing, stating, “Just two weeks after being released from prison, Howard thought it was acceptable to be in possession of a machete in public and had been involved in the supply of class A drugs to vulnerable people in Swindon.”
He added, “We understand the public are concerned when they see people riding around on illegal electric bikes wearing balaclavas—it causes fear of harm amongst residents, and that is why creating safer public spaces is a force priority. We will proactively target those causing harm within our communities.”
The sentencing underscores local law enforcement’s commitment to tackling drug-related crime and improving safety in Swindon.
