A Welsh farmer has been handed a 12-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to stealing more than 70 sheep from a neighbour, citing financial stress.
At least 73 ewes in lamb were rustled in March by Hywel Williams, of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, from land belonging to Rhodri Llyr Evans near Llandysul.
After a public appeal, Dyfed-Powys police recovered most of the animals, from land owned by Williams as well as from an auction mart and a local abattoir, where the sheep were found without their identifying ear tags. Several more were given to another farmer to pay off a debt. Williams was charged with theft on 10 May.
In a statement at the time, Insp Matthew Howells said: “I would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal, and the appeal from the owner, which was shared over 700 times. The support from farming communities near and afar has been vitally important in securing a positive outcome.
“I’d also like to thank those who came forward with information which enabled my officers to respond quickly, ensuring the safe return of these animals to their rightful owner.”
As well as the suspended sentence, the 40-year-old was ordered to do 250 hours of unpaid work, and to pay more than £5,000 in compensation to Evans during a hearing at Aberystwyth magistrates court on Wednesday.
Williams, who manages his 113-hectare (280-acre) farm together with an elderly uncle, told the court he had acted because of financial pressure but understood his actions were “unacceptable”, BBC Wales reported. Williams added that he “deeply” regretted stealing the sheep and “feels ashamed”.
Evans told the court the incident had put “unbearable stress” on his business and personal life.
Livestock theft across the UK has soared in recent years, costing an estimated £2.7m in 2023, and posing risks to the animals’ wellbeing and public health, as many animals end up sold on the hidden market.
Police forces have used forensics to track stolen sheep since at least 2017. In 2024 the National Farmers’ Union’s Mutual insurance society funded the creation of a livestock theft officer role at the specialist National Rural Crime Unit.
