PEMBROKESHIRE residents Christopher Lewis, 42, and Jenna Allen, 37, appeared in Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Sept 27) for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The duo, both of Kensington Road, Neyland, have been charged following an incident that allegedly took place on June 25, 2023.

The pair, who were arrested following the alleged assault, have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Lewis is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

The prosecution claims that on the date in question, he assaulted Christopher Allen, causing actual bodily harm.

Meanwhile, Jenna Allen faces a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

It is alleged that she unlawfully inflicted grievous bodily harm upon Joanna Allen during the same incident.

The case was previously heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in August.

During that hearing, both defendants entered not guilty pleas and were subsequently sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51(1) & (2)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Both Lewis and Allen were granted unconditional bail and required to attend the Crown Court hearing scheduled for today.

The hearing at Swansea Crown Court lasted approximately 30 minutes. The session, classified as a plea and trial preparation hearing, was an important procedural step in finalising the arrangements for the upcoming trial.

The trial date has been confirmed for Tuesday, 18th March 2024. The court will then hear evidence, including witness statements and medical reports related to the incident. Both defendants are required to attend the trial, where the presented evidence will allow the court to deliberate on the charges against them.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Wales (South West) is handling the case, with Abigail Jackson representing the prosecution. The defence for both defendants is led by Fenn Richards.

As of now, no victim personal statements have been provided, and no pre-sentence report (PSR) has been ordered, pending the outcome of the trial.

A PICTURESQUE Pembrokeshire tourist spot witnessed 40 runners embarking on a gruelling 250km run along the Wales Coast Path to raise funds for an inspiring mental health charity.

The runners are taking on the challenge over five days, traversing the stunning Welsh Coastal Path. So far, they have raised an incredible £50,606 for the Cardiff-based charity, bigmoose.

Bigmoose is a mental health organisation that provides vital therapy services and suicide first aid training. Since 2022, the charity has helped 1,000 people complete therapy, with 65 of those individuals revealing they were contemplating suicide before bigmoose intervened. This month alone, the charity has received 118 new referrals.

Currently, bigmoose is on a mission to raise £15 million to continue offering essential support to those in need of mental health services.

Yesterday, the runners arrived in St Davids, filled with excitement and nerves, ready to take their first steps in the epic journey. Supporters with cowbells cheered them on as they set off.

The group is aiming to cover 50km each day to help the charity raise the crucial funds required for its life-saving work.

“50km every day is no easy feat, let alone doing it for five days straight,” said a spokesperson for the charity.

“Each and every one of these individuals is absolutely incredible. They are taking on the challenge to help people struggling with their mental health, and we are so grateful for them.

“We want to say the biggest thank you to each and every runner from the @itswhywerun class of 2024 – you are saving lives.”

This remarkable effort highlights not only the runners’ endurance but also the ongoing need to support mental health initiatives across Wales and beyond.

A THAI woman accused of murdering her seven-year-old son has appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where the case was described as “extremely complicated” by her defence team.

Papaipit Linse, 42, is charged with the murder of her son, Louis Linse, who was found dead at a house in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on January 10. The defendant, who remains in custody, appeared in court on Monday but was not asked to enter a plea.

John Hipkin KC, representing Linse, requested that she not be arraigned due to the case’s psychiatric complexities, highlighting the need for additional time to complete necessary reports. In response, Judge Paul Thomas KC adjourned the case to a further hearing on October 25. No trial date has been set at this stage.

The prosecution is led by Caroline Rees KC, while the defence is handled by John Hipkin KC. During the brief court appearance, no new details of the case were revealed.

Police were called to an address in Upper Market Street in Haverfordwest shortly before 10.45 am on January 10. Despite the efforts of emergency services at the scene, the child was later confirmed dead. Louis was transported to Withybush General Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 12 pm.

In January, during a hearing at Pembrokeshire Coroner’s Court, coroner’s officer PC Carrie Sheridan stated: “At 10.44 am on Wednesday, January 10, police received an emergency phone call reporting the suspected death of a child. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services at the scene and medical staff at the hospital, he was pronounced deceased at 12 pm on Wednesday, January 10.”

The tragic incident has left the Haverfordwest community in shock. Further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses in the coming months.