Following an unprovoked attack that resulted in the death of a football fan, a man was discovered to have a significant amount of cocaine in his possession.
Law enforcement officials were in pursuit of Steven Vonk, a resident of Swansea, after he assaulted a man, causing fatal brain injuries that led to the victim’s demise. Vonk later admitted to the manslaughter of Timmy Matthews and was sentenced to three years in prison in November.
During a search of Vonk’s residence the day after the assault, authorities uncovered a freezer bag in a kitchen cabinet containing 121g of cocaine, valued at around £9,680 in street prices, along with envelopes holding over £900 in cash.
The 51-year-old was subsequently charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, a charge he refuted. During his trial, Vonk claimed he never sold drugs and stated that he was a heavy cocaine user, consuming approximately 3.5g every other day, with the stash found intended for personal use.
According to reports from WalesOnline, at Vonk’s admitted consumption rate, the cocaine stock found in the kitchen cupboard would last around 80 days.
When questioned about financing his drug habit despite being unemployed, Vonk explained that he supported his usage through personal benefits and cash jobs like gardening and power-washing for a friend.
After a jury deliberation of over five hours, Vonk was found guilty of possessing a Class A drug with intent to distribute. Judge Paul Thomas KC informed the jury that Vonk was already serving a three-year sentence for manslaughter when the cocaine was discovered in his residence.
Records presented in court revealed Vonk’s extensive criminal history, including multiple convictions for various offenses such as drug possession, assault, dishonesty, and manslaughter.
Vonk received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the drug offense, to be served consecutively with his existing three-year term for the manslaughter of Timmy Matthews.
In the case of Matthews’ death, it was disclosed that the fatal altercation occurred when Vonk and his associates encountered Matthews outside a pub in Swansea. Vonk struck Matthews with a punch, leading to severe injuries that proved fatal two days later.
Medical assessments indicated extensive brain trauma and fractures, with no viable treatment options available. Matthews’ condition worsened, and he eventually succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family devastated.
In a poignant statement read in court, Matthews’ daughter expressed the profound impact of losing her father, highlighting his vibrant personality and the void left by his absence. She described the lasting sorrow and void felt by the family and community due to her father’s untimely death.
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