News

Motive behind tragic suicide ‘remains unclear’, says Coroner

Published

11 years ago

February 21, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Unit where Laura Hill had been treated

THE REASON why 21-year-old Laura Hill took her own life ‘remains unclear’, the deputy coroner for Pembrokeshire has ruled.

The body of Laura Hill, 21, from Neyland, was found by members of the public on 17 December, 2012.

At the inquest on Friday (Feb 20), Deputy Coroner Gareth Lewis said: “Miss Hill suspended herself from the branch of a tree in a wooden area near to Withybush Hospital, but the question of intent remains unclear”.

Tragic : Laura Hill

Earlier in 2012, Miss Hill, who was from Neyland, had suffered the loss of her baby son and she had struggled to come to terms with this.

She had been admitted to Withybush Hospital on December 11, after taking an overdose of prescription tablets and she was later transferred to Bro Cerwyn Hospital.

However, on the night of December 16, Laura absconded and she was found hanged the following morning by members of the public.

Among his findings, the deputy coroner highlighted evidence from a psychiatrist, Dr Shubulade Smith, who said that Miss Hill was suffering from Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).

Reading out the facts of the case, Gareth Lewis said: “On December 11, 2012, Miss Hill was admitted to Withybush General Hospital after taking a large overdose of prescription tablets.

“Miss Hill remained as an inpatient at the Hospital until December 15, at which point she was transferred to Bro Cerwyn Hospital.

“On arrival at the hospital it was felt that she would benefit from admission in view of her depression, substance misuse, unresolved bereavement issues and her recent suicide attempt.

“Dr Athithan described her as having a varied suicide risk and placed her on level two 15 observations. She was described as bright, jovial and interacted well with others.

“At 19:15, Miss Hill asked to leave the ward in order to source some heroin. Staff on the ward tried to dissuade Miss Hill from leaving but she was adamant that she wanted to leave and she discharged herself against medical advice.

“In the early of hours of December 16, 2012, police had cause to carry out a welfare check in relation to Miss Hill. Officers were concerned that Miss Hill presented a danger to herself and detained her under section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

“Miss Hill was readmitted to the ward at 02.29hrs on December 16. On arrival she was assessed by Dr Athithan as being emotional, in a distressed state, sobbing and tearful. He suggested that if she tried to leave the ward they should use their holding powers under the Mental Health Act.

“At 14:45 on December 16, Miss Hill walked out of the ward and left the grounds of the hospital. Miss Hill was followed by two members of staff who persuaded her to return to the ward.

“Shortly after taking her medication at 18:15, Miss Hill absconded from the ward again and could not be located. Police were alerted to this and an immediate search was undertaken.

“Miss Hill’s body was found by members of the public at approximately 07:55 on December 17, 2012. She was suspended from a branch of tree with a blue nylon rope around her neck. The cause of death from a post mortem examination was found to be hanging.

“My findings are as follows: The decision to allow Miss Hill to leave the ward on December 15 against medical advice was probably right even if undesirable in the circumstances.

“When Miss Hill was returned to the ward by police there was a significant breakdown in the exchange of information under the section 136 handing over process.

“There was a failure to report Miss Hill’s attempt to abscond at 14:45 on December 16 to Dr Athithan despite his recommendation that if Miss Hill tried to abscond, consideration needed to be given to the use of holding powers. There was a clear lack of appreciation amongst the staff on the ward as to the meaning of the word abscond and because Miss Hill came back to the ward this was not perceived to be an attempt to abscond.

“Miss Hill’s mental state should have been, but was not, reviewed when she returned to the ward after absconding.

“The staff failed to appreciate that level two 15 observations were clearly insufficient to prevent Miss Hill leaving the ward. Miss Hill was only seen to be leaving the ward by fellow patients.

“There needed to be a system to monitor access and egress from the ward. Dr Smith commented during his evidence: ‘You cannot just let people come and go as they please, there needs to be someone in control of the door’, if this was in place it would have been considerably more difficult for Miss Hill to have absconded from the ward.

“Staffing levels at the ward were such that it would have been difficult to put Miss Hill on level 3 even if this had been considered appropriate.

“There was a lack of joined up thinking between the members of the mental health teams working with Miss Hill. Dr Smith felt that the mental health teams never looked behind Miss Hill’s substance misuse. Dr Smith commented in his evidence that ‘undoubtedly, Miss Hill was suffering from Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder’.

“One of the main features of EUPD is a tendency to act impulsively without consideration of the consequences. In her evidence she stated that it was very difficult to say whether she intended to kill herself.

At the end of the inquest Mr Lewis added that he would be exercising his powers under regulation 28 to send the report to prevent future deaths to the Hywel Dda Health Board and Welsh Government’s Improving Patient Safety team. He highlighted that his letter would surround training needs, lack of policy regarding access and egress and staffing ratios.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

30 minutes ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

1 hour ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

1 hour ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.