News

Man accused of being sex offender given second chance at bail

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2023

A WHITLAND man, who is awaiting trial for sexual offences against a child, has been given a second chance after breaching his bail conditions.

Gary Blount, 43 of Cwmfelin Boeth, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on February 14, but entered no plea to allegedly assaulting a girl under 13 by touching.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case was sent to crown court.

The defendant was released on conditional bail.

Blount appeared before Judge His Honour Huw Rees, on Thursday (Mar 2) via video link from custody, for an application of bail.

The court heard how on the evening of February 14, Blount made contact via a message to a witness, something which he was forbidden from doing so, as per the bail conditions.

Blount was subsequently arrested the following day, bail was revoked and he was remanded into custody on February 16.

Defending, Mr Ibrahim told the court how the message was in response to local newspapers reporting on the case, and his client was feeling in a very low mood.

He said: “ This matter was in the press, he has an unusual surname and the papers made reference to the area he lived.

“He was in a low mood and depressed when the news broke.

“He reached out and made contact.

“He knows what he has done and He is sorry for what he did. He was at a very low ebb at the time.”

The bail application was opposed by the Crown Prosecution Service, citing that Blount could commit further offences or contact witnesses.

Mr Ibrahim told the court how the witnesses to the case lived in a different county to the defendant.

Taking the mitigation into consideration, Judge Huw Rees, released Blount on bail, but applied further conditions.

Judge Rees said: “I’m going to grant with some hesitation. The same as before but with some further conditions.

“If he breaches again he will be returned back to where he came from today.

“You’re very lucky to get bail, you breached it last time.

Whatever the publications, you had no business getting in touch. If you don’t abide, you will be brought back here.

“You had your chance, you threw it back in the court’s face, you are not to do it again.”

Blount was released on the condition that they live and sleep at the address given to the court, not to enter the county of Pembrokeshire, not to have any unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16, not to have any contact with the victim or witnesses.

The defendant is also required to report at Carmarthen Police Station weekly.

Blount will next appear at Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 17.

Crime

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

Published

7 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

20 hours 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

21 hours 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!