Crime

Lynette White’s family ‘disheartened’ over release of Jeffrey Gafoor

Published

2 years ago

October 18, 2024

THE FAMILY of Lynette White has criticised the decision to release Jeffrey Gafoor from prison after the Parole Board deemed him a “manageable risk to the community.”

A family member, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their disappointment: “Having been informed of the Parole Board’s decision to release Jeffrey Gafoor, I am deeply disheartened. Despite having mentally prepared for this outcome, given that it was his sixth application, I am profoundly disappointed by the apparent lack of attention to certain previously undisclosed factors. Jeffrey Gafoor’s diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder raises concerns about whether all relevant aspects were thoroughly evaluated in the decision-making process.

“Had the hearing been open to the public, there would have been greater transparency. I feel let down by the process, the broader system, and utterly betrayed by a justice system that appears to prioritise the offender over the rights of victims and the public’s rightful expectation of justice.

“Jeffrey Gafoor has served 21 years for murder – 17 years in a secure prison, and four years in open conditions. Yet, for 36 years, I and other victims of his heinous crime have endured immense suffering in countless ways, and now we are forced to confront the grim reality that he will soon walk free.”

On Valentine’s Day, 1988, Lynette White, aged 20, was brutally murdered in her flat on James Street, Butetown, Cardiff. She suffered over 50 stab wounds in a frenzied attack, which pathologist Bernard Knight described as having “mutilating” features

The subsequent police investigation would become infamous as one of the UK’s worst miscarriages of justice. Relying on dubious eyewitness accounts, police arrested five men, later known as the “Cardiff Five,” in December 1988. Three of them—Tony Paris, Yusef Abdullahi, and Stephen Miller—were convicted in 1990 after a trial marred by coerced confessions and lack of physical evidence. They were later exonerated in 1992 following appeals and public outcry

In 2003, advancements in forensic technology led to a breakthrough. DNA evidence from the crime scene, which matched a relative’s profile, led investigators to Jeffrey Gafoor. He was arrested and subsequently confessed to the murder, revealing a violent altercation over a £30 payment

Gafoor was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 13 years, after admitting to stabbing White over 50 times

The Parole Board’s recent decision to release Gafoor after his sixth review has stirred fresh distress among Lynette White’s family and those wrongfully convicted. They now face the challenge of coming to terms with the Parole Board’s ruling and its implications for the community.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.