A 19-year-old man from the Cardigan area has admitted deliberately defecating in a public swimming pool in Newcastle Emlyn, West Wales, on at least 18 occasions between February and May 2026. The incidents forced the pool to close repeatedly, resulting in a significant financial loss and disruption to swimming lessons.
Investigation and Admission
Dyfed-Powys Police launched an investigation after Newcastle Emlyn Swimming Pool reported the contamination as criminal damage. Staff reviewed hours of CCTV footage to identify the culprit. The teenager fully admitted the offences when interviewed by officers. The matter was resolved through an adult community resolution, an alternative to prosecution for first-time offenders, designed to encourage acknowledgment of the impact of actions and reduce reoffending.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman said: "The incidents occurred between November 2025 and May 2026. They involved waste material being deliberately placed in the swimming pool, leading to its subsequent closure and cleaning. A 19-year-old man, from the Cardigan area, was identified and interviewed by officers. They fully admitted the offences and the matter was resolved through an adult community resolution. The investigation is now closed."
Impact on the Pool
Newcastle Emlyn Swimming Pool, a community-run charitable organisation separate from the local leisure centre, suffered a significant financial blow due to the closures. Refunds were issued, income from bookings was lost, footfall decreased, and swimming lesson programmes were severely disrupted. Each contamination incident required the pool to close for cleaning and safety procedures.
Since the individual was identified, no further contamination incidents or closures have occurred. The pool thanked customers for their support, stating: "The majority of our customers were supportive and understanding that we took the water safety measures seriously and closed albeit also frustrated at the frequency."
