News

Alleged Code of Conduct breaches reported to Local Government Ombudsman

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN ALLEGED breach of the Code of Conduct by a member of Haverfordwest Town Council is to be considered by a county council committee next month.

A report on the alleged breach by an unnamed councillor was recently made to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

Following that report, the Ombudsman stated: “The Ombudsman received a complaint that a member (‘the member’) of Haverfordwest Town Council (‘the council’) had breached the Code of Conduct for members of the council.

“The report on the investigation was referred to the Monitoring Officer of Pembrokeshire County Council for consideration by its Standards Committee.”

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: “The report in question was referred to the Monitoring Officer of Pembrokeshire County Council for consideration by its Standards Committee.

“The Standards Committee is due to consider this report on May 3.”

Another allegation of a breach of the Code of Conduct by a Pembrokeshire councillor – in this case a Saundersfoot Community Council member – was also recently reported to the Ombudsman.

That incident is alleged to have been in connection with a parking matter.

Relating to that unrelated case, the Ombudsman said: “It was alleged that the member approached the complainant and behaved aggressively towards him over a parking matter.

The complainant alleged the member had behaved in a bullying and intimidating manner and used his position to belittle and humiliate him.

“The complainant said that the member behaved in a way that was bullying and intimidating. The member acknowledged there was an encounter but said that he did not behave poorly in the interaction. There is no other witness or CCTV evidence available.

“Having considered the evidence submitted from both of the parties involved, none of the information or evidence available suggested that one account should be preferred over the other. Therefore, in the absence of any independent evidence of the incident, the Ombudsman was unable to say whether the behaviour of the member was suggestive of a breach of the Code of Conduct.

“Further investigation of this matter was unlikely to yield any information which would alter the balance of evidence available and therefore it was not proportionate or in the public interest to continue the investigation.”

The allegation relating to the unnamed Saundersfoot councillor was discontinued.

Image Caption: Michelle Morris – The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

Crime

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

Published

15 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.