News

John Cooper: Application to review two double murder convictions accepted

Published

2 years ago

April 25, 2023

JOHN COOPER, the man convicted of committing two brutal double murders in Pembrokeshire in the 1980s, has applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission for a review of his case.

The independent body deals with cases where individuals have been possibly wrongly convicted.

The commission is the last avenue for appealing against a verdict if an individual believes they have been wrongly incarcerated. It is capable of forcing public bodies such as the police to release documents relating to a case.

Cooper, who is now 78, was found guilty of the murders of siblings Richard and Helen Thomas in December 1985, and of Oxfordshire couple Peter and Gwenda Dixon in June 1989, following a forensic review by the Dyfed-Powys police. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice John Griffith Williams for both murders.

The commission confirmed that it had “accepted an application to review this case”.

Cooper has consistently denied having any involvement with the murders.

During his trial in 2011, CCTV footage was shown of Cooper on the television programme Bullseye, just a month before he committed the murder of Peter and Gwenda Dixon. The images were shown in court to allow the jury to compare the way Cooper looked at the time with a man seen on the programme using Peter Dixon’s bank card on the same day as the murders.

Cooper’s case was also dramatised in the ITV drama The Pembrokeshire Murders, in which Luke Evans played the lead role.

During the trial, Judge Griffith Williams described Cooper as a “very dangerous man who would more than likely escape justice were it not for advances in forensic science.”

Cooper was also found guilty of crimes against a group of young people in Mount Estate near Aberdaugleddau in 1996, including assault, indecent assault and attempted theft. His appeal against these charges was dismissed in 2012.

From April 1997 to February 2023, the Criminal Cases Review Commission received 29,845 applications, with 811 of those referred for appeal. Of the 791 cases heard in court, 557 verdicts were overturned, with the courts finding that there had been a miscarriage of justice.

Crime

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

Published

4 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

17 hours 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

17 hours 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!