Bridgend crime gang shooting targeted a young child, court hears

Two members of a major organised crime gang who fired shots into the wrong house were targeting a young child, a court has heard.

A jury at Cardiff Crown Court heard the shooting in Pyle, Bridgend, on 22 September 2025 was carried out in retaliation against Daniel O’ Callaghan, who was allegedly dealing MDMA on Guernsey.

Kian Darkes, 21, and Kyle Long, 40, both from Bridgend, believed he was responsible for the disappearance of thousands of pounds worth of Class A drugs hidden on the Channel Island.

Police discovered a photograph of a child on a mobile phone belonging to one of the men standing trial, along with text messages between them both discussing targeting the youngster.

In one text message, Darkes wrote that he was going to “terrorise” the “kid”, to which Long replied “Lmao” – an abbreviation commonly used in text messages to indicate the person finds something funny.

Andrew Jones, prosecuting, said: “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 said another message showed they were “intent on teaching O’Callaghan a lesson”.

Three hours before shots were fired, gang members undertook a recce of the route to the house.

The court heard two bullets were later recovered from the door and the wall of the house, which was unconnected with O’ Callaghan.

Darkes, along with another member, 21-year-old Daniel Clarke, also from the Bridgend area, both admitted having a firearm and ammunition in a public place.

They both deny possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

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.

The trial continues.