News

Megan’s mother discusses online bullying with ‘This Morning’ hosts

Published

8 years ago

February 23, 2017

Emotional programme: Nicola Harteveld appeared on ‘This Morning’

THE MOTHER of Megan Evans, who was found dead at her home in Milford Haven on Tuesday, February 7, appeared on ‘This Morning’ to talk about her 14-year-old daughter’s death on Thursday (Feb 23).

Presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Scholfield spoke to Nicola Harteveld this morning about Megan’s decision to end her own life after she was bullied online.

Nicola described Megan as ‘bright, vivacious, hugely popular, sporty, confident, outgoing, fiery, and independent’. She stated that Megan was ‘just a normal happy-go-lucky teenager’.

The ‘This Morning’ audience heard that Nicola found it difficult to understand why ‘she did what she did’.

She told Holly and Phillip that it was the final message that Megan received which ‘tipped the scale’ and caused her young daughter to take her own life.

The message said: “Why don’t you go hang yourself?”

Megan replied to the online bully, simply saying ‘Ok’, and hung herself in her room, where she was found by her siblings soon afterwards.

Nicola said that she believed her daughter was targeted ‘because she was kind’.

“She was always helping other people. If her friends were having hard time they’d all go to Megan,” Nicola told the presenters.

Phillip Schofield was left in tears, saying: “It’s got all of us here. Like a death by a thousand cuts.”

His co-host, Holly, who was equally as emotional, added: “They don’t realise the danger. [Whoever sent the message] has to live with that for the rest of their lives.”

At the time of Megan’s death, a spokesperson for Milford Haven School, where the girl attended, said: “The whole school community has been devastated by this terrible news. Our thoughts and sympathies are very much with the family at this moment.

“We are providing appropriate support and counselling at what is a very difficult time for everyone.”

Her death provoked an outcry from the whole community about the impact of bullying on children.

Taking place during Children’s Mental Health Week, many residents of the town took to social media to express their condolences to Megan’s family, as well as their dismay due to the circumstances.

Updating their profile pictures with a frame from PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Centre that states ‘Together Against Bullying’, many members of the community have been united in the discussion of how bullying should be dealt with within the school system.

Crime

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

Published

24 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

2 days 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

2 days 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!