Pembroke Dock: Child rapist Stephen Bladen jailed for 21 years

Published

9 years ago

December 21, 2015

Bladen was told by the judge that he would serve at least 14 years of his sentence

A PEMBROKE DOCK man who raped two young girls and sexually assaulted three others has been jailed for 21 years.

Stephen Bladen, aged 55, of Sycamore Street, was told by a judge at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Dec 21) that he would serve a minimum of 14 years behind bars.

Bladen was classed by Judge Keith Thomas as “dangerous” as defined by law and will be liable to being recalled to jail for seven years following his release even if he served the full 21 years.

Bladen had been convicted after a trial of 33 sex offences. They included the rape of a girl when she was about seven years old and the rape of another before she was 11.

The indecent assault charges included one of trying to rape a girl when she was only five years of age.

Bladen was also found guilty of possessing indecent images of children.

Stephen Bladen: Jailed for child rape on December 21

Judge Thomas said Bladen had been a persistent offender over a 30 year period despite being warned about his behaviour.

He had used the carrot and stick approach, added the judge, sometimes promising the young girls sweets and at other times threatening to harm their favourite rabbit if they did not co-operate.

Robin Rouch, prosecuting, read statements made by Bladen’s victims in which they described ruined lives and difficulties in trusting men and having relationships with them.

One wrote, “I would have become a very different person if I had not been abused.”

Another told how she had turned to Class A drugs by the age of 13.

Bladen’s barrister, Carina Hughes, said he still did not accept his guilt, despite the jury’s verdicts.

“There is no acceptance of responsibility,” she added. Because of that “it is not envisaged at the moment that any work can be done with him in the prison setting.”

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

Published

20 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!