A FANTASTIC new accessible art trail connecting Fishguard and Goodwick is officially launching this Sunday (Dec 15). The Art Afoot / Celf ar Droed project brings together exciting new artworks, sculptures, and digital creations, seamlessly blending them with existing arts and heritage features.

Event details

• Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
• Time: 2:00pm
• Meeting Point: Ocean Lab, Goodwick
• Conclusion: 3:30pm at Ffwrn with refreshments

The launch features a guided walk along the trail where visitors can explore new installations, including Gideon’s seahorse, creative wayfinders, and augmented reality sculptures. This family-friendly event is open to everyone and provides a chance to meet the artists and creators behind the project.

What’s new?

• Fresh public art pieces, including sculptures and AR creations.
• Enhanced trail routes connecting the twin towns of Fishguard and Goodwick.
• Promotion and printed maps supported by Pembrokeshire County Council and Visit Pembrokeshire.

Maps will soon be available at Ocean Lab and Fishguard Town Hall, helping visitors navigate the trails and discover these innovative works of art.

This event promises an afternoon of creativity, community, and connection. Don’t miss this unique celebration of art and heritage.

For more information, visit www.artafoot.co.uk.

See you there!

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison after admitting to breaching a restraining order and failing to comply with a community order.

Liam Roberts, 32, of Marble Hall Road, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 12). The court heard that Roberts failed to attend probation office appointments on November 4 and November 8, breaching a community order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on August 21, 2024.

The order related to an offence on August 11, 2024, when Roberts came within 100 metres of a prohibited address in Hakin. This incident violated a restraining order issued in 2021 by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrates revoked the community order, citing Roberts’ “wilful and persistent failure to comply with probation,” and sentenced him to 16 weeks in prison.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Roberts was ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £60 in court costs, totaling £214. A collection order was made, with payment due by February 20, 2025.

This case underscores the serious consequences of breaching court orders and failing to engage with rehabilitation programmes.

A HARROWING 999 call was played at Swansea Crown Court today (Dec 13) as the trial of a Thai mother, who admitted to killing her seven-year-old son earlier this year, concluded with her sentencing.

Papaipit Linse, 43, of 14 Upper Market Street, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on November 22 after psychiatric reports confirmed she was suffering from severe mental illness at the time of the incident.

During the trial, the court heard the disturbing emergency call Linse made at 10:44am on January 10, 2024. In the recording, Linse repeatedly told the operator: “I have killed my son. I felt totally mental, I felt like a robot, I felt totally twisted.”

CHILLING DETAILS REVEALED

The prosecution revealed that Linse had strangled her son with a leather handbag strap. She later told police she “couldn’t check for a heartbeat” after what she had done.

When officers arrived at the three-story home, they found the boy’s body on the third floor, covered with a pillow and duvet. Despite attempts to perform CPR, it was evident he had succumbed to strangulation, with the strap leaving clear marks on his neck.

At the time of the tragedy, Linse’s husband, the child’s father, was receiving treatment at a psychiatric hospital.

MENTAL ILLNESS THE EXCLUSIVE CAUSE

Psychiatric reports presented by Dr Davis, Dr Wing, and Dr Cumming concluded that Linse was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia during the incident. All three experts agreed her mental illness was the sole reason for the killing and recommended ongoing treatment.

Dr Davis, speaking for the defence, told the court: “If it wasn’t for that severe psychotic episode, the incident would not have occurred. In my opinion, she was unable to recognise the nature of what she was doing or the legality of her actions.”

The court accepted her plea of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.

“NOT A WICKED PERSON”

In sentencing Linse to a hospital order, His Honour Judge P H Thomas addressed her mental state at the time of the tragedy, saying: “Your son was not killed by you because you are a wicked person—you are not. He died because at the time you were suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.”

He continued: “I am acutely conscious that your son has barely been mentioned by me. What happened to him was tragic.”

Judge Thomas emphasized that Linse’s responsibility was grossly affected by her illness, which rendered her incapable of comprehending her actions.

Linse, who moved to the UK from Thailand in 2017, will now receive treatment under the hospital order as recommended by psychiatric experts. Judge Thomas reserved further comment, stating that he had considered the severity of the case and the unanimous psychiatric evidence in his ruling.

POLICE COMMENT AFTER THE HEARING

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Gary Williams said: “This is a terribly sad and tragic case, and our thoughts remain very much with all those who knew and loved Louis.

““We have worked closely with the CPS and independent mental health experts who concluded that Linse was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia when she killed her son.

“I would like to thank the team of police officers and staff involved throughout the past 11 months for their diligence, professionalism and care during this emotive case, and for their efforts in ensuring a full and thorough investigation was carried out.”

The judge described Louis’ death as “unspeakably tragic” and “unbearable for many people”, adding that he hoped the sentence imposed would be understood by those who knew him.