News

Tenby man guilty of murder

Published

11 years ago

February 11, 2014

Tom Sinclair

TENBY man Steven Williams was found guilty of the murder of Joanna Hall at Swansea Crown Court yesterday (Thursday).

The jury reached a majority verdict of 10 to 2 after eight hours of deliberation.

After they argued at barmaid Miss Hall’s flat in Cresswell Court in the early hours of March 16 last year, Williams “flipped” and used a stainless steel kitchen knife to stab her repeatedly leaving her bleeding profusely from 40 injuries including deep slash and stab wounds.

Joanna died three weeks later as a result of her injuries.

Swansea Crown Court heard how Steven Williams, 31, said “will you just die?” after attacking Joanna Hall at her flat in Tenby, March 16, last year.

Williams, an alcoholic, claimed throughout his trial that an unknown knifeman must have broken into the property in the morning while he briefly went to the shops to buy whisky. But Ms Hall was awake when the air ambulance arrived and was able to say what had happened, naming her attacker. Williams denied that he had been in a relationship with Ms Hall but she revealed it to her sister, Georgina Marwick, in hospital.

When asked who had stabbed her, she replied: “Someone I know. I’ve been seeing him and his name is Steven Williams.”

Mrs Marwick had told the court: “He got a knife and he stabbed her. Jo didn’t want to tell the police because she was scared.

“She said that he’d threatened if she told anyone, he’d come and finish her off or get someone else to do it.

“She said she had asked him (Williams) to phone for help, but he refused saying ‘you have a choice, take your life, or I’ll take it for you’.”

The court had heard how Mr Williams had said that he “didn’t want to have to do this, but I’m going to have to kill you now. I’m not going back to prison”.

Mrs Marwick said her sister had told her that Williams had sat with her all night, just smoking cigarettes.

“She remembers struggling to take a deep breath. He said ‘will you just die?’” she said.

Williams claimed in his defence he went to Ms Hall’s flat very early on March 16, drinking whisky on the way, because he thought she had been self-harming.

At about 7.30am he went to Sainsbury’s and left Ms Hall stroking her pet dog on the sofa, the court was told. When he returned a short time later, he found her injured, he claimed. But jurors heard from a neighbour that there was a noisy argument in Ms Hall’s flat from around 1.30am.

Williams claimed the argument lasted for up to 10 minutes and was sparked when Ms Hall tried to kiss him – but had not mentioned it until giving evidence as he “did not think that it was relevant”.

Steven Williams will be sentenced by the Judge, The Honourable Mrs Justice Nicola Davies DBE today (February 7).

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.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!