News

Tenby murder trial update

Published

11 years ago

February 6, 2014

THE trial of a man who allegedly stabbed his partner 40 times has been proceeding in Swansea Crown Court all this week.

Steven Williams, aged 30, denies the murder of Joanna Elizabeth Hall, also aged 30, although fingerprints matching his were found on the murder weapon. Williams claims he had handled the knife that night, though only to put it away after it had been washed.

Williams said he stayed with Miss Hall all night at the flat in Cresswell Street on March 16 last year. On the morning of the day Miss Hall was attacked, Williams said he got up early and bought a half bottle of whiskey which he partially drank in the toilets of the local Sainsbury store, drinking more in the local library’s disabled toilets.

In the evening, he described how he planned to stay home alone but he said a message from Joanna made him concerned she may have tried to ‘hurt herself’ once more, so he spent the night at her flat.

He told the court Joanna was uninjured when he left the flat to get the whiskey. But from the witness box he claimed that when he arrived back at Joanna’s flat just after 7.30am on December 16 he found she had been attacked in his absence.

He said earlier that Joanna had slashed her wrists a few days previously when he informed her he did not want to become involved in a relationship with her. Williams told the court he called the emergency services when a male friend called at the flat and advised him to do it. It is alleged that Williams was heard laughing during the 999 call. After the police arrived at the flat Williams was arrested.

The trial continues.

Crime

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!