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Sect members guilty of preventing burial

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preventing burialTHREE PEOPLE belonging to a religious sect who covered up the death of Geoffrey Sturdey for almost five years were jailed by a judge at Swansea Crown Court on Monday.

His widow, Rebekah Ladan Sturdey, aged 56, did it so that they could continue to claim £77,000 of his benefits for her and a friend.

Co-defendant Boqer-Ore Adie, aged 43, also admitted preventing lawful burial and benefit fraud, was also jailed for 20 months.

A third defendant, Carmel Adie, aged 25, was given a nine-month jail sentence suspended for a year with 150 hours unpaid work after admitting preventing Mr Sturdey’s lawful burial.

The group were members of a “hybrid” religious sect based on Judaism and the Old Testament and the court heard how the sect members, who called Mr Sturdey ‘Shamar’ (Hebrew for ‘keeper’ or ‘guardian’), expected Jesus to return to earth seven days after his death.

Mr Sturdey’s body was eventually found by Dyfed-Powys Police on the farm in 2013 following an extensive £20,000 search involving aerial photographs, ground penetrating radar and forensic archaeology, buried near a poly tunnel on the farm.

Detective Inspector Steve Davies said: “This was an unusual and protracted investigation that came about following concerns raised by the Department of Work and Pensions in relation to the whereabouts of Mr Geoffrey Howard Sturdey.

“As an organisation we then worked closely with the Department of Work and Pensions to conduct a thorough investigation. The body of Mr Sturdey was discovered in the grounds of his remote home on June 17, 2013. “Following a professional and thorough investigation and joint working with the CPS, Boqer-OreAdie, Rebekah Ladan Sturdey, Hazel Adie and Karmel Adie were charged with conspiracy to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a dead body and fraud.

“Due to the level of evidence produced following a thorough and complex investigation the four involved all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a dead body, and four counts of fraud in Swansea Crown Court in December 2013.

“Boqer-ore Adie has today been sentenced to 20 months for the unlawful burial, and 20 months for fraud to run concurrent. Rebekah Ladan Sturdey was sentenced to 20 months for the unlawful burial, and 20 months for fraud to run concurrent. Both were given 25% credit for their guilty pleas. Karmel Adie was given a 12 months suspended sentence for the unlawful burial and ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work.

“This demonstrates that in our society people will not get away with the unlawful burial of a deceased person who then carry on to benefit from continuing to claim that persons benefits or money. A Proceeds of Crime Act application is also being pursued in relation to this case”.

“We have kept the family of Mr Sturdey informed throughout the investigation and we hope that today’s sentence brings them some sort of comfort and a sense of closure.”

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Crime

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

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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.

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Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

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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.

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Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

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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!

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