Crime

Psychiatric assessment discussed in Carmarthenshire murder trial

Published

1 year ago

January 28, 2025

THE CARMARTHENSHIRE murder trial resumed on Monday, January 27, at Swansea Crown Court, with the prosecution outlining the events leading to the arrest of Richard Jones, who is charged with the murder of Sophie Evans.

Tracy Thompson made a 999 call on Friday, July 5, 2024, prompting emergency services to attend Ms. Evans’ home. That evening, at approximately 8:00 pm, Jones was arrested on suspicion of murder. Claiming to have taken an overdose of his medication, he was admitted to Glangwili Hospital for four days before being discharged into police custody.

Jones was interviewed nine times over two days at Llanelli Police Station before being formally charged with murder on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

The court heard that between November 29, 2023, and July 4, 2024, Jones and Ms. Evans exchanged 1,479 text messages described as “pleasant and of a friendly nature.” These included arrangements for Jones to visit Ms. Evans’ home to fix her drains. Prosecutors said there was no evidence in the communication suggesting Jones believed Ms. Evans had deceived him.

CCTV evidence

CCTV footage showed Jones arriving at Ms. Evans’ home at 9:21 am on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Four minutes later, Ms. Evans made three unanswered calls to her father. By 10:05 am, Jones was seen leaving the property. He claimed he returned shortly after, having forgotten his keys, and found Ms. Evans lying face down on the floor. Despite this, he did not call for help.

Ms. Evans’ body was later discovered with extensive injuries, including severe bruising, puncture wounds, and fractured vertebrae. Police also found a towel tied in what they described as a “hammock” or “sling” arrangement in the kitchen, partially supporting her body. Jones denied placing Ms. Evans in this position, repeatedly telling officers: “I can’t remember.”

When questioned about the injuries, Jones claimed he could not recall how they occurred. When asked by his ex-partner, Tracy Thompson, if he had killed Ms. Evans, he reportedly replied: “I must have. I don’t remember.”

Psychiatric evaluation

Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Dilum Jayawickrama assessed Jones six weeks after Ms. Evans’ death. The court heard that Jones had a history of mental health struggles, including drug-induced psychosis and Type 1 diabetes. He admitted past drug use, including LSD, cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy, but denied recent alcohol problems.

Dr. Jayawickrama told the court there was no evidence of active psychosis at the time of the assessment and that Jones was fit to enter a plea.

Connections to crime

Further details revealed links between Ms. Evans and criminal activity. Jamie Davies, Jones’ son, is serving an eight-year prison sentence for conspiring to supply Class A drugs. Both Davies and Ms. Evans had previously been under investigation for fraud and money laundering.

However, prosecutors maintained that these factors were secondary to determining the events that led to Ms. Evans’ death.

Prosecution’s case

The prosecution highlighted inconsistencies in Jones’ account and his inability to explain Ms. Evans’ injuries. They argued that his repeated claims of memory loss did not align with the physical evidence.

The trial continues, with another medical expert expected to give evidence later this week.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

7 hours 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

7 hours 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.