Two members of a major organised crime gang who discharged firearms into a residential property in Pyle, Bridgend, were attempting to target a young child in a revenge attack, a court has heard.
The shooting on 22 September 2025 was carried out in retaliation against Daniel O'Callaghan, who was allegedly involved in dealing MDMA on Guernsey, according to evidence presented at Cardiff Crown Court. Kian Darkes, 21, and Kyle Long, 40, both from Bridgend, believed O'Callaghan was responsible for the disappearance of thousands of pounds worth of Class A drugs that had been concealed on the Channel Island.
The home that was struck belonged to Tracy Addis, who was asleep downstairs while her son slept upstairs when the attack occurred. According to reporting on the trial, bullets travelled through the hallway of the property, with one striking a microwave and another passing through a canvas picture before embedding itself in the rear wall. Two bullets were later recovered from the door and wall of the house, which had no connection to O'Callaghan.
Police uncovered a photograph of a child stored on a mobile phone belonging to one of the defendants on trial, alongside text messages between the two men discussing plans to target the youngster. In one exchange, Darkes wrote that he intended to "terrorise" the "kid", to which Long responded "Lmao" — an abbreviation commonly used in text messages to convey amusement.
Andrew Jones, the prosecutor, told the jury:
It is an image that was stored no doubt in order to ensure the men tasked with enforcing the retribution got the right person. Kyle Long thought it was funny. There's not much to laugh about is there? It's about as serious as it gets. These are not idle threats being bandied around by these drug dealers.
Jones further stated that additional messages demonstrated the gang members were "intent on teaching O'Callaghan a lesson". According to court reporting, the prosecution said Darkes had attempted to contact O'Callaghan via Facebook without receiving a response.
Three hours before the shots were fired, gang members conducted a reconnaissance of the route leading to the house. The alleged drug operation involved both MDMA and cocaine, and according to the prosecution's case, the group had established a drugs operation in Guernsey and believed O'Callaghan was involved in narcotics that had gone missing there.
Charges and pleas
Darkes and Daniel Clarke, 21, also from the Bridgend area, have both admitted possessing a firearm and ammunition in a public place. However, they both deny possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Kyle Long and Callum Pearson, 24, from Cardiff, both deny conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent.
Jade Evans, 40, from Bridgend, denies three counts of conspiracy to supply a Class A drug.
Key facts
- The shooting occurred on 22 September 2025 in Pyle, Bridgend, at a property unconnected to the intended target
- Two bullets were recovered from the door and wall of the victim's home
- Police found a photograph of a child on a defendant's phone alongside messages discussing targeting the youngster
- The attack was allegedly in retaliation for missing Class A drugs from a Guernsey operation
- Five defendants are standing trial over their alleged roles in the organised crime group
