Man admits repeatedly defecating in public swimming pool
A 19-year-old man has admitted deliberately defecating in a public swimming pool on multiple occasions, causing repeated closures and significant disruption to a community-run facility in west Wales.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they received a report concerning a series of criminal damage incidents involving waste material being deliberately placed in the swimming pool at Newcastle Emlyn Swimming Pool between February and May 2026.
According to a staff member at the pool, there were 18 contamination incidents between February 2 and May 21, 2026. Each incident resulted in the pool being closed while cleaning and safety procedures were carried out.
Community-run charity facility
The pool is a community-run charity and is separate from Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre, which is operated by Carmarthenshire County Council, although both facilities are located independently on the same school campus.
In a statement issued after the police investigation was closed, pool representatives said the incidents had a significant financial impact on the organisation. The closures led to refunds being issued, loss of income from bookings, and reduced footfall while swimming lesson programmes were also affected.
Investigation and identification
Pool staff became extremely concerned and frustrated at the frequency of the incidents and worked hard to establish the identity of the responsible person. Along with additional protocols put in place, senior staff scrutinised many hours of CCTV recordings and identified the responsible person. This information and evidence was then relayed to the police.
Following this, Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a 19-year-old man from the Cardigan area was identified and interviewed by officers. The man fully admitted the offences.
Adult community resolution
The matter was dealt with through an adult community resolution – an alternative form of justice aimed at first-time offenders. Community resolutions seek to reduce re-offending by encouraging offenders to recognise the impact of their actions and engage with restorative or educational programmes. The process is undertaken in consultation with the victim.
The police investigation has now been closed. A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman said the force "received a report concerning a series of alleged criminal damage incidents" at the pool. "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."
No further incidents
Newcastle Emlyn Swimming Pool said there have been no further contamination incidents or pool closures since the responsible person was identified. They further thanked customers for their continuous support and the staff who helped in identifying the culprit.
"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. We thank them for their support," a spokesman said. "The financial impact has been significant due to refunds given as well as loss of income from other bookings and footfall which we, as a community-run pool, rely on.
"The cost to keeping a swimming pool open is significant and even more so for a community-run pool. Our funds have been depleted by these incidents and any donations or offers of financial help would be greatly appreciated. We thank the staff involved for their hard work in identifying the responsible person and recognise how difficult this process has been for our current staff."
Article continues below. There have been no further incidents or closures due to contamination.
