TRIAL OUTCOME | Two men have been found guilty in connection with the murder of 26-year-old Ashley Sarsero (pictured).
James Alan Smith, aged 35, has been found guilty of murder, and Steven George Morgan, aged 36, of assisting an offender, following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.
The court heard that Dyfed-Powys Police was called to Maestir, Llanelli, at 4.30am on 10 September 2023. Ashley Sarsero was sadly pronounced dead at the scene a short time afterwards.
Smith and Morgan were quickly arrested and charged in connection with the murder. Both were found guilty by a jury following a three-week trial.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Bevan said: “I, like many others, did not have the privilege to know or meet Ashley, and although I am very pleased with today’s verdict, it will be of little comfort to his family, partner and his extensive group of friends. Our deepest sympathies remain with them.
“The circumstances surrounding Ashley’s death led to an intensive, highly professional, and effective investigation and I would like to thank teams across Dyfed-Powys Police for the hard work and dedication they have shown.
“I would like to thank Ashley’s family, partner and the wider community for their courage and support right up until today’s verdict, following the traumatic incident and the investigation that followed.
“We aim to work with communities to prevent and deter individuals from carrying any knife or blade on our streets, and we will continue to target and prosecute all who continue to do so.”
Ashley’s mother Claire Richards added: “On the night that my son Ashley was murdered, myself and my family died with him. His murder was an act of pure evil.
“Ashley was a kind-hearted, talented young man, and he was cruelly and unexpectedly taken away from us. The loss of a child in any circumstance is tragic, but to lose a child to such a barbaric act of violence without any explanation or reason is totally heart-breaking.
“Ashley’s murder has completely changed the lives of family and friends who knew the vibrant, strong soul of Ash.
“We are glad that a guilty verdict has been reached and justice served however, nothing will replace our Ashley.”
Both men will be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court tomorrow.
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