News

Brutal and callous murderer jailed for 22 years

Published

11 years ago

February 20, 2014

STEVEN WILLIAMS, the man who murdered Joanna Hall, has been sentenced to 22 years in jail.

The jury reached a majority verdict of 10-2 on Thursday after deliberating for nearly nine hours. On hearing the verdict there was no reaction from 31-year-old Williams.

The Tenby man was found guilty last week of stabbing Joanna 40 times and it was also revealed that he waited five hours before calling the police. He attacked her in her flat but claimed that a knifeman had broken in and stabbed her while he had gone out to buy alcohol. Joanna died just three weeks after the brutal attack but did name Steven as her attacker whilst lying in hospital.

Sentencing, Mrs Justice Nicola Davies said Williams’ actions were: “brutal, callous and reprehensible, but does not warrant the description sadistic”.

She added: “This was a sustained and brutal assault using a knife or knives upon a defenceless victim.

“You stabbed Joanna over 20 times, on occasions penetrating organs within her body.

“Joanna lost 30 to 40% of the circulating blood in her body. You refused her the medical treatment she needed, and for which she asked.

“You sat with her and watched her bleed.”

Williams claimed that a knifeman had broken in and attacked Joanna, but jurors were told that neighbours had heard an argument in Ms Hall’s flat in the early hours of the morning.

After sentencing, Det Insp Carl Roach said: “This crime has repulsed Joanna’s family, the community of Tenby and the investigation team.

“Today’s sentence is welcomed, as without doubt the public are safer with Steven Williams being firmly behind bars.

“Joanna’s family have showed the utmost dignity and patience during this difficult time – it is to them and the investigation teams in Dyfed-Powys that I pay tribute.”

Crime

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

Published

18 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!