News
Mother and son guilty: Barry Rogers and Penny John convicted of murder
BARRY ROGERS and his mother Penny John were convicted this afternoon of murdering 84 year Betty Guy at her home in Johnston.
They were told immediately that at the sentencing hearing on Thursday morning they will receive life sentences.
The only question to be decided, said the judge, was the minimum number of years they must spend in jail before being allowed to apply for parole.
Rogers, aged 33, held his head in his hands and wept after the jury forewoman announced the unanimous verdicts.
John, aged 50, sat stoney faced and showed no emotion.
John was remanded in custody until the sentencing hearing. Rogers has been in custody throughout the trial at Swansea crown court.
The judge, Mr Justice Lewis, praised the jury for carrying out their duty “magnificently” and described the case as having been emotional and complex.
He said he would study sentences passed by other judges for mercy killings before deciding on the minimum terms.
He will also listen to pleas of mitigation by the couple’s barristers.
Rogers and John killed Mrs Guy–his grandmother and her mother–because she was too old and suffered from ill health.
John mixed sedatives–including her own sleeping tablets–with whiskey and gave the mixture to her mother in the early hours of November 7, 2011.
That failed to kill her and Rogers, a former soldier, “finished her off” by placing a pillow over her face.
At first her death was believed to have been from natural causes and Mrs Guy’s body was cremated at Narberth just four days later.
But Rogers could not keep his mouth shut and over the coming years told various women, including his one time wife, that he and his mother had killed her.
After they had been arrested detectives devised a clever plan to trap them.
Although they were living at different addresses police agreed to grant them bail as long as they both stayed at John’s home in Maes Dre, Union Terrace, St Dogmaels.
Officers drove them to the address to make sure they abided by the bail conditions.
By then a listening device had been placed in the property–and as soon as they walked through the door they began talking about what they had done.
It was five years after they had killed Mrs Guy and neither could remember if they had swapped mobile telephone text messages that the police might be able to retrieve.
Rogers became worried his mother was “starting to crack” and urged her to stick to their story that Mrs Guy had died from old age.
But the jury saw through it.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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