A man has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment at Swansea Crown Court after being caught taking upskirting photographs of schoolgirls at a Poundland store in Carmarthenshire.

Isa Ayan, 38, of Carmarthen, pleaded guilty to three counts of attempting to operate equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent. Each count relates to three separate victims.

He was also added to the sex offenders register and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order, both for ten years.

On 10th of February 2026, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report from a staff member in Poundland, Carmarthen saying that they had witnessed a male acting suspiciously in store with concerns that he was attempting to take a picture under a schoolgirl’s skirt.

Following an investigation by detectives in Ammanford and Carmarthen CID, Ayan was identified through CCTV footage and subsequently arrested. Digital forensic enquiries revealed that Ayan had taken images of schoolgirls from the Carmarthen area. The identified victims were aged between 13 and 14.

Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock said “The offences committed by Isa Ayan are particularly disturbing. The investigation team are thankful to the member of staff at Poundland who reported their initial concerns to police. Their vigilance subsequently led to Ayan’s arrest and charge.

“Following Ayan’s arrest, our enquiries uncovered the extent of his offending. We spoke to victims and their families, all of whom were completely unaware that the offences had taken place. It must be highlighted that despite the victims’ initial lack of awareness of Ayan’s degrading offending, it does not minimise the impact it has had upon them.

“We commend them for their bravery and dignity in assisting us with our investigation, after what must have been highly distressing information to receive.

“I would encourage the public to report any suspicious, inappropriate, predatory acts or behaviours, whether they are a victim or a witness. I hope this case demonstrates that by working together with the public and our partners we can secure convictions for dangerous offenders, whilst safeguarding those most vulnerable within our communities.

“Furthermore, it illustrates the commitment of our specialist officers who will pursue offenders and provide support to victims of all ages who may be subject to such offences.”

If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, New Pathways can offer support in dealing with the traumatic impact of these offences. Visit About Us - New Pathways to find out more, or to access their services.

To report any sexual offence, please call Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or visit Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Dyfed-Powys Police.

If there is an emergency, always call 999. Reports can also be made anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.