Crime
Woman, 70, admits causing death of baby in by dangerous driving
A 70-YEAR-OLD woman has pleaded guilty to causing the tragic death of an eight-month-old baby in a pram by dangerous driving outside a hospital in West Wales.
Bridget Carole Curtis admitted the charge at Swansea Crown Court, where she faced allegations of causing the death of baby Mabli Cariad Hall on 21 June last year. The incident occurred outside Withybush Hospital in Pembrokeshire, where Mabli was being pushed in her pram when a white BMW, driven by Curtis, struck the child near the hospital’s entrance.
Mabli was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and later transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she died four days later as a result of severe traumatic brain injuries.
During the court proceedings, Judge Geraint Walters disqualified Curtis from driving and ordered psychiatric and pre-sentence reports to be conducted ahead of her sentencing. Curtis, who had held a full, clean driving licence and had no prior convictions, voluntarily surrendered her licence following the incident.
John Dye, representing Curtis, informed the court of her deep remorse, stating: “She is absolutely devastated to be here.”
Mabli’s family, speaking through a statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, expressed the profound grief they continue to endure since the loss of their daughter. “This last year has been the most horrendous time of our lives. Our family life has been changed forever, and to this day we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened. Every day is a day of pain for us, even now, but as parents, we still have to give the love and support our other children need as they are still trying to come to terms with losing their baby sister.”
The family also extended their gratitude to the police and the 2Wish charity, which has provided them with vital support during this tragic period.
Curtis is set to appear at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on November 22.
Crime
Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest
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’
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
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.
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