Three Swansea men jailed after planning vehicle arson attack

Three men from Swansea have been jailed after conspiring to launch an arson attack on a man’s car.

44-year-old Gareth Charles, from Morriston, 32-year-old Mathew Membury, from Pentrechwyth, and 47-year-old Gareth Rowe, from Clydach targeted the victim in revenge over a business grievance.

On May 13 2025, Charles punched the victim in the face after spotting him in the street. In September, the victim’s vehicle was set ablaze in Swansea Vale. Charles was arrested and examination of his mobile phone uncovered evidence of the conspiracy with Membury and Rowe.

Charles pleaded guilty to assault by beating and conspiring to commit arson with intent / reckless as to whether life was endangered. He has been sentenced to 36 months in prison.

Membury pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit arson with intent / reckless as to whether life was endangered. He has been sentenced to 32 months in prison.

Rowe also pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit arson with intent / reckless as to whether life was endangered. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Holding said:

“This was a stupid and reckless plot to take revenge on a former employee over a monetary grievance.

“The senseless actions of Charles, Membury and Rowe could have got somebody seriously injured, and they will have known this when they were committing the offence.

“They should think long and hard about their actions during their time in prison.”