A violent criminal who stabbed a man multiple times on a residential street in Llandrindod Wells has been jailed for more than five years.

Ricco Douglas, 25, of The Bungalow, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, attacked his victim shortly after arriving in the town on December 14, 2024.

The stabbing took place on Hillcrest Rise. The victim was airlifted to hospital in Cardiff with life-threatening injuries.

At Newport Crown Court today (Monday, June 9), the court heard that Douglas had travelled from the Midlands to meet the man for a suspected cocaine exchange. Within just 14 minutes of arriving in Llandrindod Wells, Douglas had launched the attack, inflicting multiple stab wounds.

Police believe the violence was triggered by a drug deal that went wrong.

The court was told Douglas was arrested three days later after officers located his car in the Birmingham area. Forensic analysis found traces of the victim’s blood inside the vehicle.

Douglas admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm at an earlier hearing in March. Today, he was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

Dyfed-Powys Police said armed officers attended the scene, and the area was sealed off by crime scene investigators.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans said it was “highly fortunate” nobody lost their life.

“This was a violent incident which occurred on a residential street, just before Christmas last year. It was highly fortunate that there was no loss of life which would have deprived a family of a loved one,” he said.

“We know this incident has been a shock for the local community, in particular for those most affected.

“We welcome the sentencing of Ricco Douglas today and hope it provides clear reassurance to everyone that we will not tolerate violence on our streets.

“I would like to thank all the first responders and the staff at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, on the night for the level of care and treatment provided to the victim, which may well have saved his life. I would also like to thank our police officers and staff, who demonstrated great determination to bring the offender to justice on behalf of the victim and his family and the wider community.”

DCS Evans urged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activity and serious crime, stressing the role of community intelligence in keeping the area safe.

He added: “To help us prevent such incidents, I am appealing to anyone with information about any type of serious crime to let us know. You can speak to local officers, report online or do so completely anonymously via Crimestoppers.

“We will always respond to community concerns and it is important to remember that we rely on the support of the public of Llandrindod Wells and Powys to keep our local area safe.”