Crime

New BBC podcast explores chilling Pembrokeshire mystery

Published

3 months ago

September 5, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE residents are being drawn back nearly half a century in time with the launch of a new true crime podcast, Crime Next Door: Death on the Farm. This six-part series, produced by BBC Cymru Wales, re-examines one of the county’s most haunting unsolved cases: the brutal slaying of an elderly brother and sister in the quiet village of Llangolman.

In December 1976, the bodies of Griff and Patti Thomas were discovered in their remote farmhouse by a local postman. The violent nature of their deaths shocked the tight-knit community, and a wave of fear swept through the village as residents grappled with the terrifying notion that a killer was in their midst.

At first, suspicions centred on an outsider, a stranger who had invaded their peaceful rural life. But as the days passed, a more unsettling theory emerged, suggesting the possibility of a killer much closer to home. The case, which remains unsolved, has continued to cast a shadow over Llangolman, and the lack of closure has kept the tragedy alive in the memories of those who lived through it.

Crime Next Door: Death on the Farm seeks to answer the burning questions that have lingered for nearly 50 years: Did the police miss crucial evidence? Was justice ever truly served? And why does this case still matter so much to the people of Pembrokeshire?

The podcast features interviews with first-hand witnesses, members of the Llangolman community, and modern-day experts who revisit the evidence with fresh eyes. Narrated by actress Bettrys Jones and produced by Darrell Brown, the series aims to piece together the fragmented story and explore the lasting impact of the murders on the village.

Producer Darrell Brown spoke about the unique connection the community still feels to the case: “It’s unusual to find a case that remains such a topic of conversation for a community, but this one the people of Llangolman refuse to forget. It was a real privilege to tell their story and shine a light on a case that still casts a shadow on the village. We look forward to seeing how audiences respond, and to seeing how the case develops in the coming weeks and months.”

BBC Radio Wales Commissioner Bridget Curnow added: “Hearing the story directly from the voices of the community of Llangolman and their dedication to getting the closure they so want and need is so powerful. The fact that the community is still so dedicated 50 years on shows just how baffling this story is.”

Episode one of Crime Next Door: Death on the Farm is now available on BBC Sounds, with subsequent episodes set to release weekly. However, listeners should be aware that the series contains details that some may find distressing.

For those in Pembrokeshire, this podcast offers more than just a retelling of an old crime—it’s a chance to revisit a story that continues to resonate deeply within our community, and perhaps, to finally find some answers.

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.

Crime

Motorist manned from driving after being caught over limit

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKE DOCK motorist has been ordered off the roads after driving through Pembroke town centre when he was over the drink-drive limit.

Just before 1am on October 31, police officers stopped a Vauxhall Zafira that was being driven along South Road by Cameron Sell, 23, who was exceeding the speed limit.

“He was acting erratically when he was speaking to the officer,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverofrdwest magistrates this week.

A roadside breath test proved positive and subsequent breath tests carried out at the police station showed Sell had 42 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.

After considering the facts, magistrates fined Sell £300 and ordered him to pay a £120 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.