BRAIN WARD FROM PONTYCLUN CAUGHT IN CARDIFF BAY AFTER FIVE YEARS ON THE RUN

In a significant breakthrough in a long-standing criminal case, Brian Ward, a man from Pontyclun, has finally been apprehended after evading authorities for over five years. Ward, who was once labeled as one of Wales' most wanted individuals, was discovered hiding behind a false wall within a flat in Cardiff Bay. His arrest marks the end of a tense manhunt that spanned several years and involved multiple locations across the UK and Malta.

Ward, aged 62, had been on the run since he fled during his trial at Newport Crown Court in November 2013. The court proceedings had resulted in a conviction in absentia for serious crimes, including gross indecency with a child under 16 and four counts of indecent assault on a female. His criminal activities and subsequent flight made him a notorious figure, with links to Aberdare, Newport, London, and Malta, complicating efforts to locate him.

Throughout his time on the run, Ward was known to use various aliases, including surnames such as Wood, Cordina, Bryant, and Rose, which he employed to evade detection. His ability to move across different regions and countries made him a particularly elusive target for law enforcement agencies.

The breakthrough in his capture came during an investigation when an officer was conducting inquiries at a flat believed to be associated with Ward. While outside the premises, the officer made a phone call to a number linked to Ward and heard the ringtone coming from inside the flat. Acting swiftly, the officer entered the property and conducted a thorough search. Behind a bedroom mirror, he unexpectedly found Ward hiding behind a false wall, clearly attempting to conceal himself from authorities.

Following his arrest at the scene, Ward was taken into custody and brought before Cardiff Crown Court. There, he was formally charged and sentenced to five years and 20 weeks in prison for his crimes. The court's decision underscores the severity of his offenses and the importance of justice being served.

Superintendent Ceri Hughes commented on the case, stating, “We’ve been looking for Brian Ward for some time. He evaded us for far longer than we would have liked but he is now in custody where he belongs. He didn’t want to face justice for what he had done and was clearly angry that he’d been caught. He tried absolutely everything to avoid capture, showing no remorse for his appalling actions years ago. Our search for suspects only ends when they are in custody, no matter how long it takes. I really hope the news that he is now in prison will enable his victim to have some closure on what has had such a negative impact on their life.”