At Swansea Crown Court, police revealed they found a significant stash of cocaine worth nearly £10,000 in the kitchen of Steven Vonk’s flat while arresting him for an assault that tragically resulted in a victim’s death.
Steven Vonk, 51, was initially sought by police after he assaulted a football supporter, Timmy Matthews, with a punch that left the victim unconscious and later led to fatal brain injuries. Vonk admitted manslaughter and is currently serving a three-year sentence for the crime.
The day after the assault, officers arrived at Vonk’s home to detain him and found a freezer bag tucked inside a kitchen cupboard containing 121 grams of cocaine, estimated to have a street value of up to £9,680. In addition, more than £900 in cash was found in envelopes at the property.
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Charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply, Vonk denied the accusation during his trial. He claimed the drugs were solely for personal use, stating he is a heavy cocaine user who consumes about 3.5 grams every other day.
Based on these figures, the supply discovered in his home would have lasted around 80 days. When asked how he could afford such a habit while unemployed, Vonk said he funded it through his personal independence payment benefits and occasional cash-in-hand jobs, including pressure-washing and gardening for a friend.
After five hours and 22 minutes of deliberations, the jury found Vonk guilty of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.
Judge Paul Thomas KC informed the court that Vonk was already serving a three-year sentence for manslaughter when police uncovered the drugs during the arrest process.
Vonk’s criminal record is extensive, with 28 convictions spanning 63 offences, including 14 for drug possession, various assaults, dishonesty, burglaries, and the manslaughter conviction.
He was sentenced to an additional two-and-a-half years in prison for the drug offence, which will run consecutively with his current sentence.
The manslaughter case involved the July 2025 death of Timmy Matthews, who was with friends outside The Mill pub in Swansea when Vonk, after being approached, responded with a fatal punch.
Witnesses told the court that Matthews lost consciousness and hit his head on the ground, suffering severe brain injuries and skull fractures. Despite emergency treatment and hospitalization, Matthews’ injuries were deemed catastrophic, and life-sustaining treatment was withdrawn two days later.
Vonk admitted to the police that he and Matthews had a troubled history.
In a victim impact statement, Matthews’ daughter described her father as her closest friend, whose death left her life devoid of meaning. She recalled his infectious laughter and boundless energy, and said her memories of his critical condition haunt her daily, causing her permanent grief and loss felt deeply by family, friends, and the local community.