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Mystery at Carmarthen tip: After 30 years, the search for a lost child continues

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IT WAS an ordinary autumn day in September 1990 at the refuse tip at Nantycaws. But what lay amongst the rubbish transformed a routine day into a chilling mystery that has remained unsolved for over three decades.

Police have recently confirmed that the investigation into the gruesome discovery of a child’s body part at this West Wales rubbish tip remains active. A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said, “The investigation remains open and unidentified at this time. Our main objective is to identify the child, and liaising with any family members remains our top priority.”

Mike Lewis of Carmarthen recalled that grim day when he stumbled upon what seemed to be a baby’s leg amidst the waste. “I thought it was medical waste from a hospital. It looked so perfect and cleanly cut, but the reality was far more sinister,” Lewis commented.

Police immediately cordoned off the area, embarking on an extensive search to find any other body parts or evidence. The initial findings suggested the leg belonged to a baby girl, just a few months old. Further examinations hinted at the disturbing possibility that the limb had been severed using a sharp tool, raising unsettling questions about the circumstances of the child’s death.

In the aftermath of the discovery, local rumours ran rampant. Theories from accidental death to ritualistic sacrifices circulated the town. The police’s initial investigations were vast, encompassing refuse lorry drivers and hospitals. Yet, conclusive answers have been elusive.

Jeff Thomas, the then Detective Superintendent at Dyfed-Powys Police, had appealed for information and broadened the search beyond the Dyfed-Powys region, suggesting the refuse might have even come from areas as distant as West Glamorgan.

Despite the initial efforts, the mystery surrounding the child’s leg has endured. However, findings from the National Crime Agency (NCA) indicate that such grim discoveries, though uncommon, are not unheard of. In the 2016/17 period alone, 57 unidentified bodies or body parts were reported, with 11 being partial remains. Startlingly, of the 929 cases reported since 1950, a significant 97% belong to babies.

The NCA is striving for answers alongside local police. Louise Vesely-Shore, senior officer at the UK Missing Persons Unit, highlighted the role of DNA in solving such mysteries, “DNA has certainly made a difference… But wider publicity and international reach also play an essential role in identifying some of these cases.”

Three decades later, many organisations linked to the initial investigations have disbanded, and the tragic tale of the infant girl found at Nantycaws seems to be fading from memory. Yet, the relentless quest for answers, led by the police and supported by the community, continues. For now, the mystery endures, a sombre reminder of a child lost in time.

(Cover image: File)

 

Charity

Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look

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A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.

The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.

Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.

Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.

“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.

At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.

With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.

Photo caption:

Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).

 

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Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

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A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

 

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Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

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A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.

 

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