More than £36,000 in penalties after protected estuary targeted

FOUR men from Llanelli have been fined more than £36,000 after illegally gathering cockles from the protected Burry Inlet.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) launched an investigation following a report of unlawful cockle harvesting in the Llanelli area on Thursday (June 12, 2025).

Enforcement officers attended and found that Ethan Thomas, Brogan Phillips, Finley Harvey Jones, all from Llanelli, and Korey Kathrens, from Burry Port, had driven 4×4 vehicles more than one kilometre out into the estuary to collect cockles without permission.

The group was intercepted as they attempted to leave the scene. During the incident, two of the vehicles became stuck in the estuary and had to be towed to safety.

Officers seized a large quantity of cockles along with equipment used in the operation.

All four men denied the charges but were found guilty following a trial at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23, 2026).

Each defendant was fined £4,000, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,600, and prosecution costs of £3,546—bringing the total penalty per person to £9,146. The court ordered payments at a rate of £200 per month.

Huwel Manley, Head of South West Wales Operations at NRW, said: “This case highlights the seriousness of illegal cockle gathering, which can damage fragile ecosystems and undermine licensed fisheries operating within the estuary.

“Natural Resources Wales is committed to protecting our shellfisheries and wider fisheries from illegal activity.

“We welcome the court’s decision and hope it sends a clear message that fishery and shellfish-related crime will not be tolerated. We will continue to take appropriate enforcement action against those who break the law.”

Fire set in shared home left sleeping residents at risk and caused £130,000 damage

A TEENAGER who started a fire in his bedroom while other residents slept has been jailed for four years.

Jack Gornall, aged 18, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after admitting a series of offences including arson, threats with a knife, assault, and sending malicious communications.

The court heard that in the early hours of Sunday (Nov 17), Gornall deliberately started a fire inside his room at a shared property on Mansel Street, Carmarthen.

He then barricaded the door before climbing out of a first-floor window, leaving others inside the building at risk.

One resident was asleep at the time and had to be rescued by police. Two officers were later treated for smoke inhalation after tackling the incident before firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The fire caused extensive damage to the property, estimated at around £130,000.

Prosecutor Dean Pulling told the court that Gornall had earlier gone out to buy cigarettes and a lighter, and had carried out internet searches relating to accelerants in the days leading up to the fire.

The court also heard details of other offences.

In October 2024, Gornall repeatedly contacted his sister after being blocked, including calling her child’s phone. When she answered, he became abusive and threatened to report her to social services.

On another occasion in January 2025, he approached a car in Llandysul and produced a kitchen knife, waving it at occupants through an open window. The driver sped away and alerted police.

He also admitted stealing alcohol from a supermarket in Carmarthen, during which he became aggressive and assaulted a member of staff.

Gornall pleaded guilty to all offences at an early stage.

Judge Catherine Richards sentenced him to four years’ detention in a Young Offender Institution.

POLICE are appealing for information to trace a man wanted in connection with a Class A drugs investigation in Llanelli.

Dyfed-Powys Police has issued a public appeal to locate Jake Ware, aged 25, who is originally from Liverpool but is known to have links in the west Wales area.

The appeal follows the execution of a warrant in Llanelli on Tuesday (Dec 17, 2025), as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected Class A drug offences.

Officers are urging members of the public to come forward if they have seen Ware or have any information that could assist in locating him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference: 25001029597.

Members of the public can also report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.