News

Welfare call in wake of child murder in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 years ago

May 17, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a report to safeguard the welfare of children be acted on in the wake of the murder of a child in the county was made to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Lola James died in hospital four days after a “sustained, deliberate and very violent attack” from Kyle Bevan in the early hours of July 17, 2020 at her home in Haverfordwest.

Bevan, 31, was recently found guilty of Lola’s murder, and was jailed for life – serving a minimum of 28 years.

Sinead James, 30, of Neyland, was found guilty of allowing Lola’s death, and was sentenced to six years in prison.

During the course of the trial, the jury heard that Bevan and James met through Facebook in February 2020, and started living in the home within weeks.

James had just got out of a domestic violence relationship, and as a previous victim of domestic abuse had access to support, but she “shut her eyes to the very obvious danger which Kyle Bevan posed to her children”, the court heard.

At the May meeting of the full council, Councillor Huw Murphy asked: “As safeguarding champion can I be reassured that following the conclusion of a recent criminal trial resulting in the conviction for murder of a Pembrokeshire child that the report presented to Social Care O&S on November 12, 2022, to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults will be acted upon, and that the Child Practice Review (CPR) into this tragic event will be published on completion and returned to Social Care O&S to establish what lessons can be learnt to avoid such a tragedy in the future?”

Responding, Cllr Tessa Hodgson said a review was started following Lola’s death; restarted after the trial concluded.

She told members the review would be published after it was completed, but could give a timescale.

NSPCC Cymru’s assistant director Tracey Holdsworth has previously said: “The death of a child in such harrowing circumstances leaves many of us asking questions, and the Child Practice Review being carried out into the circumstances around Lola’s death must be robust in finding whether more could have been done to protect this little girl and how agencies working together can better prevent future tragedies.”

Crime

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

Published

1 day 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

2 days 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

2 days 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!