Crime

Haverfordwest woman sentenced for Eddies assault and theft of tobacco

Published

4 months ago

August 8, 2024

AT Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, Sarah Lewis-Moane, a 34-year-old resident of Three Meadows, was handed down multiple sentences following a series of offences.

Lewis-Moane was charged with three separate offences, including assault by beating, theft from a person, and common assault. All incidents occurred on the July 11, 2024

The court heard that on the night in question, Lewis-Moane assaulted Maria Smith at Eddie’s Rocks on Quay Street, Haverfordwest. The unprovoked attack led to Lewis-Moane changing her plea to guilty on the July 23. District Judge Layton, presiding over the case, described the assault as of a “serious nature.”

Consequently, Lewis-Moane was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

The court ordered her to pay £50 in compensation to Smith, taking into account her guilty plea.

Later that same evening, at the Greyhound Hotel on Mariners Square, Lewis-Moane stole a pouch of tobacco valued at £20-£25 from Bethan Bailey.

For this offence, she was ordered to pay £20 in compensation to Bailey.

Following the theft, Lewis-Moane threatened to assault Bailey at the Greyhound Inn, escalating the situation to a charge of common assault under section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. This offence, coupled with the theft, resulted in an additional four weeks of imprisonment, also suspended for 12 months. Lewis-Moane was required to pay £50 in compensation and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

In total, Lewis-Moane faced an eight-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, with the court emphasising the “realistic prospect of rehabilitation” and acknowledging her recent bereavement. Judge Layton noted that the offences were severe enough to warrant custodial sentences, but the suspension was granted based on Lewis-Moane’s commitment to rehabilitation and her assurance of compliance with court orders.

Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd highlighted Lewis-Moane’s challenging personal circumstances, including the recent loss of her mother. The court’s decision to suspend the custodial sentence was partly influenced by the need for the defendant to attend her mother’s funeral, which took place on August 7.

Prosecutor Linda Baker stressed the unprovoked nature of the assaults.

Crime

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

Published

59 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.

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.