Gower man fined for cutting down acres of woodland ordered to pay more after selling property
During a long-running case against Jeff Lane, 74 from Cartersford, Gower, he was found guilty of illegally felling more than 8 hectares of native woodland within the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
On 14 June 2024, the Crown Court made a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act against Mr Lane, and he was ordered to pay £11,280.77, based on the Court’s assessment of his available assets at that time.
In December 2024, NRW say they became aware that Mr Lane was about to come into additional assets from the sale of property.
Acting on this information, NRW made an application to the Crown Court to increase the amount that Mr Lane must pay under the original confiscation order.
Mr Lane did not oppose NRW’s application and, on 31 March 2025, Swansea Crown Court ordered him to pay an increased amount of £78,614.60. This figure represents the full extent of the Mr Lane financial gain from his offending.
Callum Stone, Forest Regulation and Tree Health Team Leader for NRW, said: “Woodland loss is a significant threat to habitats and biodiversity, especially in the face of the climate and nature emergency. These cases send a clear message that illegal felling will not be tolerated.
“Felling licences play a crucial role in managing our forests sustainably, and we will take enforcement action where necessary to protect them.
“We’re also committed to using the confiscation regime to ensure that convicted defendants do not keep any financial benefit from the environmental crimes they have committed.”
(Lead image: NRW)
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