News

‘Stupid and irresponsible’ man asked teenager for indecent images

Published

8 years ago

February 23, 2017

A 22-YEAR-OLD man from Haverfordwest appeared at the town’s magistrates’ court on Monday (Feb 20), after being charged with sending a threatening message and making indecent photographs of a child.

William Taylor Rowe of Gerald Road, pleaded guilty to both charges.

On May 7, 2015, Rowe had sent a Facebook message to an underage female, which conveyed a threat for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety. On the same date, he was also found to be in possession of seven indecent images of the same person of category C.

Prosecuting, Sian Vaughan, told the court that Rowe had sent a message to the female saying “Hey xx,” to which she replied “Hello. Who is this?”

Rowe said to read the name, and she replied saying: “Must have added you, don’t know where from,” before saying bye.

Rowe kept sending smiley faces to her, and she told him to “f**k off”. He told her to go ahead and block him, and said he had already sent a picture of her to people on her friend’s list.

Ms Vaughan said: “He sent pictures of her in her bra. Various messages sent, such as ‘God you’re so f***ing hot,’ and ‘Send me some updated ones of your t*ts or I’ll show all your friends.'”

Defence solicitor, Jonathan Webb said: “A young girl in Norfolk sent pictures of herself in state of undress, nothing to do with Rowe, and he put them on internet. Rowe finds them, sometime later makes contact with her.

“Three messages were sent, the first asking for more pictures, second said something like sorry, the third, ‘haha, I’m only joking but you should know these pictures are on the internet.’

“She replied ‘I’m going to police.’ If you like, taking away of the threat was made before she responded. Essentially, those three messages sent contained the threat, and they were sent nigh on one after the other.

“Rowe very stupidly, thought it was a good idea to ask her for pictures and it clearly wasn’t. He was stupid and irresponsible, and shows a lack of maturity.”

Mr Webb continued: “This is going to have an extreme and long lasting effect on his life. It’s a one off, and he isn’t a person who has specifically been seeking out and looking for child pornography.”

Magistrates imposed two year community order with a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement. They told the court that they considered unpaid work, but instead imposed a fine of £120. He must also pay prosecution costs of £85 and £85 victim surcharge.

Crime

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

Published

21 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!