Three sentenced for perverting the course of justice

Three people have been sentenced for perverting the course of justice during an attempt murder trial.

Keiran Hassan, Kevin Ryan and Bethan Brahim were sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court today for distributing a victim’s statement on social media.

Hassan, 33, was on trial for an attempt murder which happened in Harris Avenue, Rumney, in April 2020, when he orchestrated a bid to prevent the victim from attending court.

After obtaining a copy of the victim’s statement from his defence team, he enlisted girlfriend, Bethan Brahim and childhood friend, Kevin Ryan to distribute copies of the statement in person and on social media platforms.

This was intended to apply pressure on the victim from the local criminal fraternity not to give evidence.

Ryan distributed the statement and contacted the victim, and also the victim’s grandmother, in a bid to intimidate the victim not to attend court. He then used a social media platform to post pictures of the statement to friends of the victim.

Despite their attempts, South Wales Police supported the victim throughout which enabled him to give evidence.

This resulted in Hassan being found guilty of attempt murder in November 2020 and was sentenced to 24 years in prison.

Brahim, 26 from Barry, and Ryan, 32, from Mynachdy, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Hassan, from Ely, denied the offence but was found guilty following a three-day trial in June 2021.

During the trial, the jury heard the reading of a letter sent by Hassan to Brahim, in which he stated “One thing you should have learnt about me by now is I will always have the last laugh”.

Hassan was sentenced to 2 years on top of his current 24 year sentence.
Ryan was sentenced to 2 years and 8 months.
Brahim was sentenced to 21 months suspended for 12 months.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Scott Meacock said: “This sentencing decision sends out a strong message to the criminal fraternity. If you are intent on disrupting the criminal process or intimidating witnesses, we will arrest you and the courts will exercise due diligence in sentencing.”