Crime

Trial for Pembrokeshire farm animal cruelty delayed until next year

Published

4 months ago

July 24, 2024

A MAN and his daughter, accused of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs, pigs, and sheep at a Pembrokeshire farm, have had their trial postponed to March next year.

Richard Scarfe, 43, of Park Street in Pembroke Dock, and Brogan Scarfe, 24, of Woodbine Terrace in Pembroke, denied the allegations which relate to the treatment of animals kept at the Ridgeway in Lamphey between January 25, 2022, and April 19, 2023.

During a previous hearing, defence barrister Alycia Carpanini asserted that Brogan Scarfe “denies that the animals were suffering.” She highlighted that a vet had visited the farm the day before the animals were seized and reported “no issues.”

Richard Scarfe previously informed the court that he was not responsible for the care of the animals, as he had been banned from keeping animals.

The trial was initially scheduled for February but was vacated due to delays in instructing a defence expert and complications with the legal aid funding application. A new date was set for July 29.

However, the case returned to Swansea Crown Court, where Andrew Taylor, representing Richard Scarfe, explained that the initially appointed expert “no longer accepts legal aid work.”

“There’s no way I can go into a trial without an expert or an expert report,” Mr Taylor stated. He added that a new expert had been identified but would require four months to complete his report.

Prosecutor Christian Jowett argued that the delay was due to the actions of the defendants’ representation. “This could have been done in August of last year,” he said, adding that the animals are currently in care at the public’s expense. “That will mean that these animals will have been kept for two years, and that is almost entirely the fault of the defendants’ representation.”

Judge Catherine Richards, addressing the further delay, expressed her dissatisfaction with the situation. “It’s not a position I’m impressed with,” she remarked.

Judge Richards ordered that the defence expert report be submitted by November 22, and the trial is now set to commence on March 3.

Crime

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

Published

2 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.

Crime

Court hears man exposed his flaccid manhood ‘by accident’

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Court Reporter

A 21-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with intentionally exposing his genitals in a public place.

Thomas Jones is accused of carrying out the act at a property in New Moat, Clarbeston Road, on November 9, 2022.

“The defendant knocked on the door of a female and offered his gardening services,” Crown prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“She accepted his offer and moved her car so that he could move his van, but when she turned around, she could see his flaccid penis was outside his trousers. When she pointed this out to him, he said he didn’t know that it was exposed.”

Jones denies the charge. He was released on unconditional bail to await his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on January 6.

Crime

Regular cocaine user from Milford Haven taken off the road

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN resident who admits to being a regular cocaine user has lost his driving licence after being found behind the wheel when he was 15 times over the legal Benzoylecgonine limit.

Teifion Morse, 41, was stopped by officers just before midnight on May 1 following reports that he was driving his Vauxhall Insignia along the A477 at excessive speeds.

“The vehicle was travelling westwards towards Kilgetty, and Teifion Morse was the driver and the sole occupant, “ Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed that Morse had 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system (the legal limit is 50), and 20 mcg of cocaine. The legal limit is 10.

Ms James said that when Morse was spoken to by officers, he told them that he knew the readings would be positive. “I’ve done stupid amounts today,” he said.

Morse, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug driving. A probation report stated that since leaving the military five and a half years ago, Morse has suffered from mental health issues.

He’s been using cocaine as a coping mechanism,” said the probation officer. “He freely admits that he uses cocaine to help him cope, but it’s spiralled and is getting more and more out of control. He would like support to kick this habit.”

Morse chose to be legally unrepresented when he appeared before magistrates.

“It was my stupid fault and I’m trying to take the correct steps to get on the right path,” he said in mitigation.

Morse was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must pay a £140 court surcharge and £85 costs.