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.”

School says religious item worn by pupil is secured, symbolic and non-functional

YSGOL HENRY TUDOR has moved to reassure parents after confirming that a pupil is wearing a ceremonial kirpan as part of their Sikh faith.

The development comes after around a dozen parents with children at the school contacted The Herald expressing concern about the situation.

In a letter sent to parents on Wednesday (Mar 25), the school explained that a Sikh family had recently joined the school community, and that the pupil is an Amritdhari Sikh — meaning they are required to wear certain articles of faith.

One of these is the kirpan, a small ceremonial blade which holds deep religious significance within Sikhism.

The school stressed that in this case the kirpan is “small, sheathed and secured,” and cannot be unsheathed. It added that the item is worn purely as a symbol of faith and “not as a functional item.”

Parents raise concerns

Around a dozen parents have contacted The Herald expressing concern about the situation, with some questioning both safety and how the decision was communicated.

Posts on local social media groups also reflect unease among some parents. One parent wrote that they were “not at all comfortable” with their child returning to school until the issue was resolved, while others questioned whether enough notice had been given before the decision was implemented.

Another commenter raised concerns about safety, suggesting that allowing any form of blade on school premises could set a precedent.

However, some claims circulating online — including suggestions that similar cases have led to violent incidents without prosecution — have not been substantiated.

Reassurance over safety

The letter made clear that appropriate steps have been taken to ensure the situation is managed safely and in line with safeguarding responsibilities and UK law.

School leaders said they remain committed to respecting the religious beliefs of all pupils while maintaining a safe environment, adding that the matter will continue to be monitored “sensitively and appropriately.”

In some settings, schools may agree adjustments to how a kirpan is worn — such as ensuring it is very small, secured, or sealed — so that religious requirements are respected while maintaining safety.

Understanding the kirpan

The kirpan is one of the five articles of faith — known as the Five Ks — observed by initiated Sikhs. It symbolises a duty to stand up against injustice and to protect others.

Under UK law, Sikhs are permitted to carry a kirpan for religious reasons. In schools, these are typically very small, kept in a sheath, and often secured so they cannot be drawn.

Across the UK, many schools have policies in place to accommodate the wearing of the kirpan while ensuring appropriate safeguards are followed.

Promoting inclusion

The school’s letter reflects a wider approach across education settings in Wales and the UK, where inclusivity and respect for different faiths are balanced with clear safety measures.

The Herald has contacted Pembrokeshire County Council for comment.

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.