News

Murder accused ‘told wife he had killed his grandmother’

Published

7 years ago

January 15, 2018

Tom Sinclair

BARRY ROGERS told his then wife he had killed his grandmother Betty Guy, a jury heard today (Jan 15).

But Lisa Watkins considered him to be a liar capable of saying anything for effect.

Rogers, aged 33, of High Street, Fishguard, and his mother Penelope John, 50, of Maes Dre, Union Terrace, St Dogmaels, deny murdering Mrs Guy at her home in Hillcroft, Johnston, in the early hours of November 7, 2011.

A jury at Swansea Crown Court had heard that at first her death was put down to natural causes and her body was cremated at Narberth four days later.

But, it is alleged, over the years that followed Rogers made confessions to various people that his mother had fed Mrs Guy, aged 84, tranquilisers, sleeping tablets and whiskey and that Rogers had smothered her with a pillow.

Miss Watkins said today she married Rogers in May 2014, but by October of that year their relationship was over.

She agreed they had swapped numerous Facebook messages and on November 3, 2014, he had written to her: “Nan died three years ago after I killed her.”

Rogers also wrote that they were about to discuss their relationship with a counsellor but they should not say anything about the killing of Mrs Guy.

“Before he had put anything in writing he had told me in conversations about killing his Nan,” she added.

Later, said Miss Watkins, Rogers complained that she had called him a murderer, which she denied.

He sent a short message reading ‘My Nan?!’

Cross examined by Rogers’ barrister, Christopher Henley, she agreed that she thought Rogers would say anything to win sympathy and attention.

“His word was unreliable. Sometimes he forgot the lies he had told.

“He would say he had played a part in accelerating her death and then say he was just winding me up.

“I did not take him seriously when he said he had killed her. He would say what he thought you wanted to hear,” added Miss Watkins.

The jury also heard a tape recording of a 999 call made by John in which she reported the death of Mrs Guy.

She said her son was with her in the house and that her mother had been suffering from stomach and bowel cancer.

The prosecution argue that although Mrs Guy was unwell there was no evidence she had had cancer.

The trial continues.

Crime

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

Published

13 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.