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Llangolman: A double-murder Cooper didn’t do?

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THE MYSTERY over the 1976 deaths of Griff and Patti Thomas deepened this week.

The Herald received intriguing new information which counters the long-held belief in John Cooper’s involvement in the siblings’ death.

Rumour, gossip and convenience placed Cooper in the Llangolman area around December of 1976 doing work for a fencing contractor.

We spoke with a source who has an intimate knowledge of the area and community. Vitally, they know about the fencing contractors and workers active in the Llangolman area at the time. They dismissed the suggestion John Cooper was in the area as ‘nonsense’.

They said contractors from outside the area would’ve ‘stuck out like a sore thumb’. The presence of an outsider, they continued, would’ve been remembered by the remote, close-knit, Welsh-speaking community. In 1976, they added, anyone coming to the area from further south than Haverfordwest would’ve been seen as ‘down-below-ers’.

Our source told us that supply runs by ‘outsiders’ to local merchants for things like nails or timber for fencing posts did not occur. It would’ve been improbable, they added, that ‘boys from Milford’ would come to the area with every item to complete a job.

As for the possibility that Cooper might’ve been ‘hobbling’, our source told us that Cooper’s accent alone would’ve been considered ‘exotic’. So incongruous that if Cooper went to a pub for a pint and a game of darts or visited the local shop, he would’ve been remembered at the time of the original inquiry.

Large jobs would’ve meant working alongside local workers. We were told none of them recalled working with John Cooper. Even when directly and repeatedly asked over the years since Cooper’s conviction for the Scoveston Manor and Coast Path killings, no local workers placed him in the area.

Poor weather during November and December meant that large jobs would not have been planned for those months. In context, this was just after the long and hot summer of 1976.

Any emergency fencing work would’ve been done by locals as, in those days, ‘boys from Milford’ would’ve taken too long to get there.

Another source claimed that John Cooper’s connection stems from a local, unrelated family with the same surname and vivid imaginations.

Whatever you choose to believe, no eyewitness testimony placing John Cooper in the Llangolman area in the weeks or months leading up to the deaths has been seen by anyone with even a passing interest in the bizarre deaths of the Thomas siblings.

We will, of course, keep an open mind and if anyone has information that definitively proves Cooper was there and when, we’d be very eager to see it.

Whilst we might be able to cross off Cooper’s name for the deaths of Griff and Patti Thomas. Indeed, those we spoke to this week were clear that we could. However, that leaves a terrifying alternative. Someone local, someone who knew Griff and Patti, was capable of a double murder and they were never even questioned by the Police.

Griff Thomas (background lady unknown)

The Herald has heard enough information that, we believe, whittles down the list of possible suspects to just two individuals. Both lived in the area at the time and knew the victims well enough. Both, it seems, knew of Griff’s daily journey to Charing Cross Stores a short drive away.

Our sources sketch out an alternative scenario. Someone known by both Thomas siblings entered Ffynnon Samson, knowing Patti would be on her own. They planned to steal the money they believed was kept in the house bureau by the ‘tight’ brother and sister.

When Griff returned, nothing would’ve seemed amiss until he entered the parlour. There he found his younger sister critically injured. A confrontation followed, during which the thief struck Griff fracturing his skull and Griff’s blood ended up on the doorframe.

With Griff incapacitated, the settle was pulled down on top of him, and a fire started to cover the killer’s tracks. The murderer then fled the property through the back door. They took enough money to ‘sort Christmas out’ but not so much to raise others’ suspicions with them.

They left the Thomas siblings to die. Patti died first from her injuries, her body showed signs of smoke inhalation from the burning settle, but not enough to end her life.

Griff died second, the post-mortem discovered that he died primarily from burns and the contemporaneous description of the crime scene supports that scenario.

Martha/Patti Thomas: Griff’s younger sister

It is at least as likely as the one advanced at the subsequent inquest.

For the account given to the inquest to work, belief needs to be suspended. A profoundly religious elderly man, known to be a timid personality, and who had arthritis of the spine, slew his sister by picking up heavy furniture and striking her with it. Repeatedly.

Somehow, he fractured his own skull in the process. He then covered up a bloody thumbprint from an unknown third party by replacing the cover on a sewing machine, staggered to the kitchen and set fire to himself whether by accident or design.

Or a third party committed the offence and got away with it in a scenario similar to the one presented to us.

If that wasn’t enough, there are other details which raise questions.

Specifically Griff’s coat, which was found with the cheese he’d brought from the shop still in his pocket, had Griff come home to an argument, he’d surely still be wearing his coat and had the killer not arrived until later, Griff and Patti would’ve eaten the cheese discovered in Griff’s coat pocket as they had planned to have it with dinner.

The Sewing Machine. Who put the cover back on it? Whose finger-print was found, alongside Griff’s blood, under the replaced cover?

Why, according to locals, were the footprints in the snow around the farmhouse not properly investigated until after police had thoroughly inspected the property and the footprints had started melting?

We hesitate to describe the Police investigation as ‘botched’. No matter how unlikely the inquest verdict, we cannot say it’s ‘unsafe’. We can say the case looks as though a theory was formed and the evidence made to fit its frame.

An unlikely link to John Cooper has prevented a full view of the facts. Dyfed-Powys Police’s refusal to re-investigate ‘based on speculation’ prevents any final resolution being reached anytime soon.

However, once lockdown is over, we’ll be back on the case going through the records to see how close we can get to the answers.

News

Multi-agency exercise at South Hook LNG Terminal

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A MULTI-AGENCY exercise is scheduled to take place at the South Hook LNG Terminal tomorrow (Sunday), between 8:00am and 3:00pm.

Local residents in the vicinity of the terminal have already been informed about the event. However, authorities wish to reassure the wider public that an increase in traffic and activity near the terminal is part of this pre-planned exercise.

The exercise is a routine collaboration among emergency services and stakeholders to ensure preparedness for potential scenarios.

Residents and commuters are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.

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Crime

Police offer advice after 60 reports of stolen quad bikes from farms

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE is advising the rural community to make sure security measures are in place to protect quad bikes and other farm equipment, in response to a spate of thefts.

There have been over 60 reports of stolen quad bikes across the force in 2024.

Farmers and other owners of quad bikes are reminded to be vigilant of suspicious vehicles and people in their community and to report any concerns to police.

Dyfed-Powys Police has acquired 150 SelectaDNA Rural Kits to support their efforts in combating rural crime. These advanced DNA asset-marking kits will be used to offer free property marking services to farmers, helping them protect their valuable equipment and machinery.

In addition to property marking, our Rural Crime Team officers, who are also qualified Crime Prevention Tactical Advisors (CPTAC), will visit farms to conduct comprehensive crime prevention audits. These audits are designed to ensure farms have the best security measures in place to deter criminal activity and safeguard their livelihoods.

The SelectaDNA Rural Kits use a unique DNA solution that can be applied to tools, vehicles, machinery, and other valuable assets. This marking is virtually invisible but can be detected under UV light, providing an indisputable link between stolen property and its rightful owner. This has proven to be a powerful deterrent against theft and an invaluable tool in recovering stolen items.

Rural communities are often targeted by criminals due to their remote locations and the high value of farming equipment.By offering free property marking and crime prevention visits, Dyfed-Powys Police aim to empower farmers with effective tools and advice to protect their assets and reduce the risk of crime.

Sergeant Paul Roberts from our Rural Crime Team, said: “I ask that local farmers and other quad bike owners take appropriate action to minimise the opportunities of these thefts occurring. This includes removing keys from ignitions after use and locking barns or outbuildings wherever the vehicles may be kept.

“I’m aware that thefts of quad bikes and farming machinery causes disruption to farmers’ work, as well as the financial implications, and I would like to reassure the public that police are thoroughly investigating these matters.

“I encourage anyone living in rural communities to remain vigilant to this type of theft, and to report any suspicious vehicles or behaviour to police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

The Rural Crime Team will be attending marts across the force, where community members can bring items such as tools, machinery, and bikes to be marked.

Farmers can also arrange a visit from our Rural Crime Team to mark equipment and conduct a security audit by emailing [email protected]

Visit our website for more information and advice about rural crime and what prevention measure you can take – https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/

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News

Family pays tribute to ‘budding artist’ after tragic loss

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THE FAMILY of a 14-year-old girl who died on Friday (Nov 15) has paid tribute to a “budding artist, rugby player and social media lover.”

Seren Jenkins, from Tycroes, Ammanford, tragically passed away following a medical emergency at Ammanford Rugby Club.

In a heartfelt statement, her family said: “We as a family are devastated by the loss of Seren.

“She was a loving daughter, big and little sister.

“Seren lived her short life to the full and was a budding artist, rugby player and social media lover.

“Seren was loved by all who knew her and no doubt will also be remembered for her sense of humour.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the emergency services at the scene and everybody for the GoFundMe page donations for Seren, where proceeds will likely be donated to various asthma services, the Wales Air Ambulance, and a possible memorial for her friends to remember her.

“We would also like to thank people for their kind words and support at this horrific time, but would now like to ask for this time to grieve in private.”

A GoFundMe page set up in Seren’s memory has received widespread support, reflecting the community’s shock and sadness at her loss.

Seren’s family described her as someone who brought joy to all who knew her, with a zest for life and a talent for art and rugby. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and laughter.

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