News

Johnston: Internet chat led teenage girl to meet up with convicted rapist

Published

10 years ago

May 22, 2015

Swansea Crown Court

A TEENAGE girl from Johnston agreed to meet a man she “met” in an internet chat room without knowing he was a convicted rapist, a judge heard on Friday (May 22).

Michael Jones, aged 30, collected her from the local railway station and took her back to Bristol.

Jones admitted sexual activity with a child and was warned he faced up to five years in jail at Swansea Crown Court.

Jim Davis, prosecuting, said the girl and Jones started to communicate via the Kick website and both became aware of each other’s true age.

At one stage her mother became aware of the conversations and confiscated her mobile telephone.

But she was later given back her computer tablet and resumed the conversations, in which she told Jones she was unhappy and wanted to leave home.

Jones arranged to meet her at Johnston railway station, where he gave her £30 and passed her a note telling her to buy a ticket to Bristol.

Mr Davis said although they sat together on the train Jones did not speak a single word to her.

Once in Bristol he took her to a flat and she performed oral sex on him that evening and the following morning, added Mr Davis.

He said they discussed having full sexual intercourse but the girl was not willing.

After a short time it was realised the girl was missing and she was traced to Jones’ home.

Judge Paul Thomas, who was told that Jones suffered from autism, said the case was not ready for sentencing, partly because Jones was at risk of a five year sentence because of his previous conviction for rape.

He would also have to determine if Jones posed a danger to women as defined by law.

And in addition he wanted a report into Jones’ medical condition.

On being told that Jones was about to move to Scotland, Judge Thomas said, “He’s not going there.”

Jones was ordered to remain in Bristol until the sentencing hearing towards the end of next month.

He was granted bail meanwhile, but warned by Judge Thomas not to be under any illusion about the sentence he would receive

Crime

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

Published

22 hours 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.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!