‘Date rape’ drug found in ‘inspirational’ woman’s body

Published

7 years ago

November 7, 2017

A YOUNG woman who was found dead in Tenby last year had ‘date rape’ drug in her system, an inquest has heard.

Michaela Haines, 25, was discovered hanging in a stairwell – but the hearing was told her family refuse to believe that she would have killed herself.

Her family say ‘inspirational’ and ‘vivacious’ Michaela had no history of suicide attempts and was planning for her future.

The inquest found the levels of so-called ‘date rape’ drug GHB in her body were so high they could have caused her drowsiness.

The hearing was told toxicology test showed Michaela was almost twice the drink-drive limit when she died and there were levels of GHB in her system.

Michaela Haines: Had a ‘date rape’ drug in her body (pic. Wales News Service)

However the inquest was told it was possible for the body to naturally produce GHB after death – and it didn’t necessarily mean she had taken it.

Barrister Peter Donnison, representing her family, said police failed to investigate if Michaela’s death was anything other than a suicide.

He said: “There is no evidence that this is suicide other than the body being found as it was, there was no history of suicide attempts.

“There are no witnesses present saying they had spoken to her and she was thinking of doing this; on the contrary you had people saying the opposite.”

Mr Donnison also questioned why a policewoman allowed a friend of Michaela’s boyfriend to remove her body instead of preserving the scene.

Inquest: The family are looking for answers (pic. Wales News Service)

PC Jayne Colley said the man – known only as ‘John’ – went into the block of flats in Tenby and helped her take the body down from above a stairway.

PC Colley told the hearing: “I was aware that there was a female hanging, possibly I didn’t want to go in on my own; I have a young daughter.

“I can’t remember whether I asked him to come or he volunteered, but I am very grateful for him coming in.

“I was the only officer present at the time. I asked ‘John’ to hold her body as I couldn’t handle her on my own, I didn’t want her to fall down; we laid her on the stairs, we gave her that respect.”

Pathologist Dr Daniel Houser told the inquest there were no signs of suspicious circumstances.

The cause of death was given as asphyxia by hanging.

Toxicologist Phillipa Wood said the levels of GHB had been found in blood following a request for a second test – finding 70 milligrams per millilitre of blood, a level which could cause drowsiness.

The inquest in Tenby into Michaela’s death two days before Christmas Day last year was adjourned for the coroner’s conclusion later this month.

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

Published

17 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!