News

Paranoid schizophrenic slashed partner’s throat

Published

10 years ago

December 1, 2014

A PARANOID schizophrenic slashed his partner’s throat to save her from a fate worse than death, a judge at Swansea Crown Court heard on Friday (Oct 31). James Blair Hamilton developed a “tremendous fear” that demons were about to break into their house and to kill him and Patricia Anne Durrant “in a particularly unpleasant way.” Hamilton cut her throat from ear to ear before trying to take his own life.

Today, Hamilton, aged 60, denied murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The pleas were accepted by the prosecution and Hamilton was detained under the Mental Health Act without limit of time. Huw Rees, prosecuting, told Swansea crown court how Hamilton and Miss Durrant, aged 65, lived together at several locations in Wales before settling down in a house in High Street, Llandysul. In 2002 he had received treatment for a mental illness, and responded well. But he had stopped taking medication and had lost contact with the mental health services.

Late on March 2 this year neighbours noticed at a window Miss Durrant, a seamstress, working at her sewing machine making a red dress. It appeared, said Mr Rees, she was killed very shortly afterwards. The following morning Hamilton dialled 999 and Pc Rhys James arrived to find him sitting on the stairs covered in blood. He went into the kitchen to find “a scene like something out of a horror film.” Miss Durrant was already dead, having suffered “catastrophic” injuries to her neck. She had also suffered at least eight defence wounds across her arms as she had tried to protect herself.

Hamilton later told police he had approached Miss Durrant from behind as she sat on a chair in the kitchen and cut her throat. He said he believed demons were about to go on a killing spree. After the killing he stabbed himself in the neck and stomach, and lay down next to Miss Durrant. He thought he was going to die but he awoke a short time later. He said he spent the rest of the night “wandering about wondering what to do” before dialling 999. Mr Rees said although Hamilton did not have any previous convictions for violence police discovered a conversation between the couple had been video taped.

In it, Miss Durrant accused Hamilton of breaking her arm while he blamed her for the injury because she struggled too hard to get out of his grip. Mr Rees said Miss Durrant had been unhappy living in Llandysul and had wanted to move to Pembrokeshire. Dr Roger Thomas, a psychiatrist, told the court he had “absolutely no doubt” that Hamilton suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, but since his arrest and subsequent treatment he had shown significant recovery. Hamilton’s barrister, Geraint Walters, said the killing of Miss Durrant had been “a tragedy that noone saw coming.”

Judge Keith Thomas said Hamilton was the only person who could say what had happened that night. He said Hamilton had thought of leaving the property to escape the demons but that would have “left her unprotected and the entities would have got her and a fate worse than death.” Hamilton, who sat in the dock surrounded by four mental health workers as well as dock officers, was told he would be detained at the Caswell Clinic, near Bridgend, until the Secretary of State for Justice deemed it was safe to release him.

News

‘Last chance’ warning for Pembrokeshire farm barn attraction

Published

25 mins ago

December 6, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm barn attraction, which gained a 3,500-strong petition of support after previously being refused by planning officers, is being given a “last chance saloon” to justify staying open ahead of a site visit.

Late last year, Stuart Williams of Home Farm, Leweston, near Camrose, was refused retrospective permission by planning officers to retain the Willhome Farm Barn farm park – and ancillary buildings – built in June 2022.

The site – whose facilities were used by the council’s own educational providers and parents of children with learning difficulties – is home to rabbits, llamas, donkeys, poultry, owls, goats, ponies and pigs, along with a café building, public conveniences, a children’s play area, and parking.

The attraction was set up as a form of diversification after the farm lost its entire cattle herd through bovine tuberculosis; developing over time to having more than 150 children and students visiting a week.

It was previously refused by officers due to highway safety concerns and fears it would generate additional foul water flows which are likely to result in an increase in phosphate levels in the Cleddau River.

Since the refusal by planners, a change.org petition, Grant Planning Permission for Willhome Farm Barn in Pembrokeshire, was set up by Hook-based Jessica Austin, which has attracted more than 3,500 signatures to date.

Jessica’s petition said: “This decision not only affects this resilient family but also impacts schools attended with over 6,000 pupils, by adults from local wellbeing centres and families with children who have autism or learning difficulties like mine.”

Earlier this year, the applicant submitted a fresh call, which was again due to be decided by planning officers.

At the request of local county councillor, and former council leader, Cllr Jamie Adams, a special meeting was held in July backing a decision for it to be made by councillors rather than officers.

The application was due to be heard at the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, with a recommendation of refusal, reasons including those given for the previous application, the application returning to the December meeting to allow the applicant’s agent more time to address planning issues.

It was again recommended for refusal at the December meeting.

Speaking at the December meeting, agent Carys Thomas felt highways concerns could be dealt with through passing bays and temporary signage, an informal agreement having been entered into with a local landowner.

Local member Cllr Jamie Adams said the area had seen a decline in agricultural stock vehicle movements, following a decline in cattle numbers, suggesting concerns about increased traffic generated by the attraction was something of “a misnomer”.

He added: “Without supporting the changing needs of farms in Pembrokeshire we will lose the economic drivers of our communities, communities like mine in Camrose, it’s farms that support many of the other rural business and many of the services in the communities.”

One of the sticking points for officers was the length of time of the “long and arduous process” of the various applications and their reasons for refusal, dating back some 18 months, with what they saw as insufficient information to address their concerns, members heard.

Cllr John T Davies moved a site visit before any decision, allowing the applicants a final chance to address the planning issues, describing his proposal as “a final opportunity, a last-chance saloon,” adding: “If it’s not addressed by then I will be very clear in my vote of refusal; one final opportunity, one final throw of the dice.”

Members, by eight votes to four, backed a site visit ahead of a final decision, the application expected to return to the February meeting.

Business

Pure West Radio brings festive cheer with ‘Pure X-Mas’ on DAB

Published

15 hours ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE residents can now enjoy the perfect festive soundtrack as Pure West Radio launches its dedicated Christmas station, “Pure X-Mas,” on DAB radio. Running from Saturday (Nov 30) to New Year’s Eve, the station promises nonstop Christmas music and holiday cheer for all listeners.

“Pure X-Mas” offers an exciting mix of timeless classics and modern holiday hits, creating a joyful atmosphere for decorating trees, wrapping presents, or simply enjoying the season.

Station Manager Toby Ellis said:
“This Christmas, we’re making it easier than ever for Pembrokeshire and beyond to tune into the magic of the season. Pure X-Mas on DAB is our gift to the community – a station entirely dedicated to spreading festive joy and creating lasting memories.”

Exclusively available on DAB, “Pure X-Mas” guarantees crystal-clear sound and easy access for listeners across North and South Pembrokeshire. Simply tune your DAB radio to Pure West Radio’s dedicated Christmas station and immerse yourself in the spirit of the season.

Community

Brave special guardians to share their stories at Torch Theatre

Published

15 hours ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE TORCH THEATRE is set to host a poignant event on Thursday, December 12, celebrating the experiences of Special Guardians. Running from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, the event will feature eight courageous Special Guardians sharing their stories, alongside Sophie Pierce, the visionary behind this groundbreaking project.

The showcase will blend professionally produced films with heartfelt personal storytelling, offering a unique insight into the lives and contributions of Special Guardians. This event aims to shine a spotlight on their vital, often unrecognized roles, amplifying their voices and calling attention to their experiences in an unprecedented way.

Organisers hope the presentation will resonate with audiences both locally and nationally, sparking greater awareness and inspiring changes in policies to better support these dedicated individuals.

Angela Moore, a project worker with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Family and Friends Team, shared her aspirations for the event: “We want to get these films seen, and their words heard, nationally to increase awareness and recognition of the vital role Special Guardians play and to support policy improvement.”

Tickets for this inspiring event are free, but attendees are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance by emailing Angela Moore at [email protected].

Don’t miss this chance to honour the remarkable contributions of Special Guardians and experience their powerful stories brought to life.