A man was discovered to have a significant amount of cocaine in his kitchen after being arrested for fatally injuring a football fan in an unprovoked attack. Steven Vonk, hailing from Swansea, was sought by authorities following an assault that resulted in the death of Timmy Matthews. Vonk admitted to manslaughter and received a three-year prison sentence last November.
During a search of Vonk’s residence the day after the assault, police found a freezer bag containing 121g of cocaine, valued at approximately £9,680, as well as envelopes containing over £900 in cash. Despite denying the charge of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, Vonk admitted to being a heavy cocaine user, consuming about 3.5g every other day, and claimed that the stash in his kitchen was for personal consumption.
In court, Vonk explained that he financed his drug habit through personal benefits and cash jobs, such as gardening and power-washing. After deliberation, the jury convicted Vonk of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply. Judge Paul Thomas KC noted that Vonk was already serving a three-year sentence for manslaughter when the cocaine was discovered during his arrest.
Vonk, who has a history of criminal convictions including drug possession, assault, dishonesty, and burglary, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for the drug offense, to be served consecutively with his existing three-year sentence for manslaughter.
The tragic incident involving Timmy Matthews occurred outside a pub in Swansea in July 2025, when Vonk punched him unprovoked, causing fatal injuries. Despite receiving emergency treatment, Mr. Matthews succumbed to severe brain trauma and passed away two days later. Vonk admitted to a longstanding feud with Mr. Matthews, which dated back several years.
In a heartfelt statement to the court, Mr. Matthews’ daughter expressed the profound impact of her father’s untimely death, describing the void left in her life and the lasting pain of losing her best friend. She recalled her father’s vibrant personality and the anguish of witnessing him in his final moments in the hospital. The community mourned the loss of Mr. Matthews, a beloved figure, leaving a lasting sense of grief and emptiness.