A Welsh farmer has been handed a 12-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to stealing more than 70 sheep from a neighbour. Hywel Williams, 40, of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, admitted rustling at least 73 ewes in lamb from land belonging to Rhodri Llyr Evans near Llandysul in March.
Following a public appeal, Dyfed-Powys Police recovered most of the animals from Williams's land, an auction mart, and a local abattoir, where the sheep were found without identifying ear tags. Several more had been given to another farmer to pay off a debt. Williams was charged with theft on 10 May.
At Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, Williams was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment suspended for two years, ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, and pay over £5,000 in compensation to Evans. Williams, who manages his 113-hectare farm with an elderly uncle, told the court he acted due to financial pressure but deeply regretted his actions and felt ashamed.
Evans told the court the theft placed 'unbearable stress' on his business and personal life. The case highlights a surge in livestock theft across the UK, which cost an estimated £2.7 million in 2023, with animals often sold on the hidden market, posing risks to welfare and public health.
