News

Thai mother’s harrowing 999 call: “I felt like a robot, I felt twisted, I killed my son”

Published

1 month ago

December 13, 2024

A DISTURBING 999 call was played at Swansea Crown Court today (Dec 13) during the trial of a Thai woman who admitted to killing her seven-year-old son earlier this year.

Papaipit Linse, 43, of 14 Upper Market Street, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on November 22, after psychiatric reports concluded that she was suffering from severe mental illness at the time of the incident.

The court, presided over by His Honour Judge P H Thomas, heard how Linse called emergency services at 10:44am on January 10, 2024, and confessed to the killing. In the call, played to the court, Linse repeatedly told the call handler, “I have killed my son,” adding, “I felt totally mental, I felt like a robot, I felt totally twisted.”

The prosecution revealed chilling details of the case. Linse admitted to strangling her son using a leather handbag strap, later telling officers that she “couldn’t check for a heartbeat” because of what she had done.

When police arrived at the address, they found Linse’s son on the third floor of the home, covered with a pillow and duvet.

Officers noted that his body was still warm, but he showed no signs of life. CPR was attempted, but it was evident that the boy had died from strangulation, as the strap had left marks around his neck.

The court was told that Linse’s husband, the children’s father, was a patient at a psychiatric hospital at the time of the incident.

Psychiatric reports presented by experts, including Dr Davis, Dr Wing, and Dr Cumming, concluded that Linse was suffering from a significant mental illness when she killed her son.

The prosecution accepted the plea of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.

Linse, who moved to the UK from Thailand in 2017, will remain in custody while sentencing continues. Judge Thomas has reserved his judgment, stating that he will carefully consider the psychiatric evaluations and the severity of the case.

The case continues

Business

Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation

Published

11 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.

Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.

For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.

Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”

Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.

News

Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties

Published

11 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.

Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.

Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

Details of the premium

The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:

Pembrokeshire County Council
Police and Crime Commissioner
Town and Community Councils

Exemptions and discounts

Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.

If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.

Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.

National Empty Homes Grant Scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.

For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP

News

Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.

When:

Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.

Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.