News

Deputy Mayor confirms Neyland police probe underway

Published

1 year ago

June 15, 2023

AN INVESTIGATION is confirmed to be underway regarding alleged fraud and conspiracy offences involving four members of Neyland Town Council, and a paid employee. The deputy mayor, Cllr Steve Thomas, announced the investigation by the police during an Extraordinary Meeting.

The local government monitoring officer has been informed, The Pembrokeshire Herald understands, and further investigations by Audit Wales and the Ombudsman are expected.

The internal auditor has also requested access to Neyland Town Council’s accounts for the previous financial year due to dissatisfaction with the findings and entries.

Cllr Thomas proposed granting the access, and the proposal was unanimously agreed upon by the members.

As a result of the police investigation, a vote of no confidence was passed against each of the accused councillors, with Cllr Peter Hay being the only one to reject the proposal.

The four councillors under investigation will be temporarily barred from participating in external committee and board meetings as representatives of Neyland Town Council.

The investigation centres around allegations of exclusive emails and private meetings between the four councillors and a paid employee, excluding other members. The details of the alleged misconduct were initially brought forward by Cllr Angela Radice, who has faced personal difficulties and health deterioration due to her attempts to gather information on perceived wrongdoings.

Cllr Steve Thomas commended Cllr Radice for exposing the emails, calling it a brave act. A vote of confidence was passed in her favour. Dave Edwards, representing Pembrokeshire County Council’s Standards Committee, was also present at the meeting.

Following the meeting, the newly elected mayor, Cllr Brian Rothero, expressed disappointment with the findings. He stated that a vote of no confidence had been made against one-third of the town council, and the accused councillors had shown no remorse or attempts to rectify their alleged wrongdoing. Cllr Rothero aims to work together with the deputy mayor and other new councillors to achieve more for Neyland Town Council in the next nine months than it has achieved in the previous nine years. His goal is to promote the council and ensure that it works for the people of Neyland.

At the time of going to the press, The Pembrokeshire Herald had asked the police for a comment.]

The police said: “We received a complaint late yesterday afternoon (14 June 2023).”

Crime

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

Published

28 mins 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

14 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

14 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!