News

Tragic soldier ‘suffered from PTSD’

Published

11 years ago

February 11, 2014

A NARRATIVE conclusion has been delivered in the inquest into the death of a former soldier from Tenby.

Private Lee Bonsall was found hanged at his home in Tenby in 2012, six years after he had first asked to be discharged from the service.

The inquest in Milford Haven heard how Private Lee Bonsall, originally from Nottinghamshire, was believed to have been suffering from undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pte Bonsall, who served in 13 Air Assault Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, asked to leave the Army in October 2006, but it wasn’t until May 2007 before he was seen by a military psychiatrist, who warned he could deteriorate and be a risk of “self-harm or suicide” if he remained in the forces.

He had struggled to cope with his experiences in Afghanistan and asked to leave shortly after the death of his best friend Private Andrew Cutts. The coroner also heard that Lee had attempted to take his own life soon after leaving the forces by taking an overdose of painkillers, the inquest heard.

He was found hanged by his wife Serena at their home in Tenby in March 2012.

Coroner Mark Layton said he proposed a narrative conclusion as he was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Bonsall’s death can be recorded as a suicide. He said it was unclear that Pte Bonsall intended to kill himself because he was making plans for the future with his wife.

Last year a BBC Panorama investigation, “Broken by Battle”, found he was described by the Army as “dishonest, untrustworthy, unreliable and very unpredictable” and “has consistently been awarded sick leave for numerous reasons.”

The coroner told the soldier’s family he would write to the minister for defence personnel, welfare and veterans, Anna Soubry, to suggest that the procedure for arranging psychiatric appointments is reviewed.

Mrs Bonsall has called on the MoD to give all servicemen mental health assessments when they leave the forces and for them to be forwarded to civilian GPs.Following the conclusion of the inquest Mark Layton backed calls from the former soldier’s family to improve mental health services for personnel leaving the armed forces.

Crime

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

Published

20 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.