Crime
Family highlights suffering caused by air guns after spate of shootings in West Wales
PEOPLE who indiscriminately target animals with air guns are being urged to think about the devastating consequences of their actions following the shooting of three cats – two of whom did not survive – in Pembrokeshire.
Jemima, a two-year-old tabby cat, may never fully regain her mobility after she was targeted near her home in the Plas y Fron area of Fishguard on 6 May. The pellet, which entered just below her neck, came to rest between her shoulder blades and just milimetres from her spine – and has been deemed too risky to remove.
Another female cat was also shot the previous evening (5 May) in a neighbouring street, Dan y Bryn, and taken to a vet, where an x-ray revealed she had been shot twice with an air gun. She sustained a broken leg – which had to be amputated – and a shattered shoulder. Despite making good progress initially, she took a turn for the worst and sadly had to be put to sleep a few days later.
A third incident occurred seven miles away in Newport at the beginning of the month, with a vet confirming that a cat’s fatal injuries had been caused by an air gun.
The RSPCA, which last year received 454 calls about animals being shot, injured or killed with air guns, is appealing for information about the incidents.
Jemima’s owners, who initially thought she had fallen or been run over, say they are cautiously optimistic that she is now out of immediate danger, although her long-term prognosis remains guarded.
They said: “When we found Jemima, she was unable to walk, and had no use in her hind legs. We are incredibly lucky that the projectile did not strike any vital organs or any blood vessels, however it seems that the swelling caused by the impact of the fragments might be affecting the nerves to her legs.
“She is making a slow recovery at home and with treatment has started to gain the use of her legs, albeit slowly. She’s now able to move around more independently, walking with a pronounced limp, and we see improvements in her mobility every day.
“She has always been a very active cat who enjoyed being outside but her life has now changed completely. She can’t go out and doesn’t understand why she can no longer jump up or run around like she used to.
“People aren’t aware of the damage airguns can do to animals and perhaps if they did, they would think twice. They need to realise there are lasting consequences to their throwaway actions, not just on pets, but for the people who care for them. Jemima survived by a matter of milimetres but we don’t know whether she will ever fully walk again and whether her current condition is the best we can hope for.
“We’re shocked and horrified that somebody living near our house has willfully inflicted this cruelty on our family pet, and we are very concerned about reports of other occurrences like this in our area. We hope that our community will remain vigilant, and that any further incidents are reported to both the police and the RSPCA.”
RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben is urging people to come forward with information about the attacks and to report suspicious behaviour to the animal welfare charity.
He said: “Jemima was extremely lucky to survive this callous shooting and I sincerely hope she continues to make positive progress in the weeks and months ahead.”
“Sadly we tend to see a rise in these mindless attacks when the weather warms up and people are spending more time outside. We also saw a significant number of cases during the national lockdown months.
“The RSPCA continues to call for stricter regulations around owning an airgun in both England and Wales. Better education, basic safety training for owners and a thorough explanation of the law – including our legal obligations towards animals – could help protect countless animals from these horrible attacks in the future.”
Anyone with information about the shootings in Pembrokeshire should call the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
Crime
Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest
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.
Crime
Court hears man exposed his flaccid manhood ‘by accident’
A 21-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with intentionally exposing his genitals in a public place.
Thomas Jones is accused of carrying out the act at a property in New Moat, Clarbeston Road, on November 9, 2022.
“The defendant knocked on the door of a female and offered his gardening services,” Crown prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“She accepted his offer and moved her car so that he could move his van, but when she turned around, she could see his flaccid penis was outside his trousers. When she pointed this out to him, he said he didn’t know that it was exposed.”
Jones denies the charge. He was released on unconditional bail to await his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on January 6.
Crime
Regular cocaine user from Milford Haven taken off the road
A MILFORD HAVEN resident who admits to being a regular cocaine user has lost his driving licence after being found behind the wheel when he was 15 times over the legal Benzoylecgonine limit.
Teifion Morse, 41, was stopped by officers just before midnight on May 1 following reports that he was driving his Vauxhall Insignia along the A477 at excessive speeds.
“The vehicle was travelling westwards towards Kilgetty, and Teifion Morse was the driver and the sole occupant, “ Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed that Morse had 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system (the legal limit is 50), and 20 mcg of cocaine. The legal limit is 10.
Ms James said that when Morse was spoken to by officers, he told them that he knew the readings would be positive. “I’ve done stupid amounts today,” he said.
Morse, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug driving. A probation report stated that since leaving the military five and a half years ago, Morse has suffered from mental health issues.
He’s been using cocaine as a coping mechanism,” said the probation officer. “He freely admits that he uses cocaine to help him cope, but it’s spiralled and is getting more and more out of control. He would like support to kick this habit.”
Morse chose to be legally unrepresented when he appeared before magistrates.
“It was my stupid fault and I’m trying to take the correct steps to get on the right path,” he said in mitigation.
Morse was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must pay a £140 court surcharge and £85 costs.
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