News

Police probe online ‘sextortion’

Published

9 years ago

December 10, 2015

MEMBERS of the public who use the internet are being advised to be wary of online ‘sextortionists’ who blackmail victims by threatening to post explicit footage of them on the internet.

Detective Sergeant Rob Gravelle of the Dyfed Powys Police Cybercrime Team said: “A number of victims have contacted us in the last few weeks reporting that they have been the victim of ‘sextortion.’

“The victims have been lured into online video sex chats and then sent compromising footage of themselves with demands for money, or their footage would posted on the internet and sent to family and friends.

“Offenders often target and befriend their victims via facebook before moving onto a platform, such as Skype, where the activity can be captured on video. Once they have this video they will attempt to blackmail the victims into sending money, usually into an offshore account.”

Detective Sergeant Gravelle added: “The best way to prevent these criminals from committing such offences is by not taking part in such activity. The moment you take part you become vulnerable to exploitation by the criminals.”

Officers are urging people to take the following steps to avoid falling prey to this type of crime:

· Know who you are inviting or accepting invitations from on social media. Don’t accept friend requests from total strangers

· Ensure that your privacy settings on your social networking accounts are set to only allow friends to view your profile

· Never get lured into anything in front of your webcam. Always remember that what goes online may stay online

· If you do become a victim to this type of scam, do not respond to the blackmailer’s demands, but report the issue to the police and the relevant social networking site.

Further advice is available via https://getsafeonline.org/social-networking/webcam-blackmail/

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

6 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

20 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

20 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.