Crime

Motorcyclist had life-changing injuries after collision in Milford Haven

Published

3 months ago

August 9, 2024

A MOTORIST has been sentenced after causing a motorcyclist to suffer life-altering injuries in a collision near Milford Haven. The tragic incident occurred when Charlotte Harding, 38, pulled out of a junction without properly checking for oncoming traffic, leading to a devastating crash with paramedic Sean Luby.

The court heard how Mr Luby, 65, was riding his Honda motorcycle along Steynton Road at around 5:15 pm on January 29 of last year when the collision occurred. Despite the fact that the motorcyclist’s headlight was illuminated, Harding, who was driving home from her parents’ house with her children in her Audi A3, failed to see him and pulled out directly into his path. In a desperate attempt to avoid the collision, Mr Luby swerved and braked hard, but was unable to avert the crash. The impact threw him from his bike, leaving him unconscious on the road with severe injuries.

Prosecutor Hannah George told Swansea Crown Court that Mr Luby sustained a catalogue of catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain damage, multiple broken bones, and serious internal injuries. He was immediately attended to by off-duty nurses and firefighters who happened to be nearby. Their quick response, which included performing CPR after Mr Luby went into cardiac arrest, was credited with saving his life. He was then airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he was placed in a medically induced coma and received extensive treatment, including blood transfusions and surgeries.

The court was told that Mr Luby’s injuries were so severe that he required two months of hospitalisation at Cardiff before being transferred to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, and later to Neath Port Talbot Hospital for neuro-rehabilitation. His life has been irrevocably altered; he now suffers from limited mobility, impaired vision, chronic pain, and speaks with a stutter. Once a dedicated paramedic of over 30 years, Mr Luby is no longer able to work and has had to relocate to a bungalow better suited to his new physical limitations.

In an emotional impact statement read to the court, Mr Luby spoke of how his life had been “turned upside down” and expressed his bewilderment over why Harding had not seen him. He described the profound effect the crash has had on his family and lamented the loss of what had been a “boring and normal” life—one he would “take back in a heartbeat.”

Harding, who had no previous convictions and held a clean driving licence prior to the incident, expressed deep remorse for her actions. During her interviews with police, she acknowledged her fault, stating she was “mortified” by what had happened and admitted that she “had not looked long enough” at the junction. Her defence barrister, Ian Bridge, highlighted that Harding had been “broken” by the crash, expressing her deep regret and wishing she could turn back time to avoid the tragedy.

Judge Paul Thomas KC, in delivering the sentence, described the case as “tragic” and acknowledged the catastrophic impact the crash had on Mr Luby’s life. He noted that while the defendant had not acted with malicious intent, her carelessness had nonetheless resulted in devastating consequences. Judge Thomas pointed out that Harding “simply ought to have seen” the motorcyclist and should not have pulled out until she was certain it was safe.

Acknowledging the profound consequences of the incident, Judge Thomas sentenced Harding to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, 10 rehabilitation activity days, and was disqualified from driving for one year.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the life-changing consequences that can result from a moment’s inattention on the road.

Crime

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

Published

1 hour 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.