Crime

Four men fined over illegal cockle gathering on the Burry Inlet

Published

3 months ago

March 27, 2026

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.”

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

34 minutes ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Crime

Man charged with attempted murder after A44 collision near Aberystwyth

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged following a single-vehicle collision on the A44 near Capel Bangor, Aberystwyth.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened on Tuesday, June 30.

Owen Rhys-Jones, of Dol-y-Bont, Aberystwyth, has been charged with attempted murder, dangerous driving, and controlling and coercive behaviour.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before court.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are asking anyone who was in the Capel Bangor area at around 8.50pm on Tuesday, June 30, to come forward.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed a disturbance in or around Capel Bangor, or who may have phone, video or dashcam footage of the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police through the force’s dedicated online portal.

The force said: “We would like to thank the local community for their support while officers have carried out extensive enquiries, and to those who have supported our investigation so far.”

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over alleged Cardigan cocaine and cannabis supply

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Court Reporter

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to Crown Court to face a series of alleged drug supply offences in Cardigan.

Harrison Casey, of Harebell Way, Brownsover, Rugby, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jul 2).

He faces six charges relating to alleged offences at Bridge Street, Cardigan, between April 7 and April 24, 2023.

The charges include being concerned in the supply of cocaine, a Class A drug, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis, a Class B drug.

Casey is also accused of possessing cannabis with intent to supply, possessing tetrahydrocannabinol with intent to supply, being concerned in an offer to supply THC edibles, and possessing flualpazolam, a Class C drug.

There were no pleas to the charges at this stage.

Magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Casey was granted unconditional bail and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on August 3 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.