A MAN has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault following an incident in the Pembrokeshire village of St Dogmaels.

David Rees, 62, is set to appear in court on 9th October in relation to the incident, which took place on 16th September and left one person with minor injuries.

Locals reported that armed police, dog units, and a police helicopter descended on the scene, creating a significant emergency response in the normally quiet village.

In a police update that evening, it was confirmed that the ‘unusual police presence’ was due to an ‘isolated incident’ which had been ‘safely resolved’. Two police patrol cars remained in the village late into the evening to reassure residents and members of the public.

An update issued by Dyfed-Powys Police on Wednesday, 25th September, confirmed they had responded to reports of an assault resulting in injury to the victim. Following their response, officers arrested and charged a man with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault in connection with the incident.

PEMBROKESHIRE residents Christopher Lewis, 42, and Jenna Allen, 37, appeared in Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Sept 27) for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The duo, both of Kensington Road, Neyland, have been charged following an incident that allegedly took place on June 25, 2023.

The pair, who were arrested following the alleged assault, have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Lewis is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

The prosecution claims that on the date in question, he assaulted Christopher Allen, causing actual bodily harm.

Meanwhile, Jenna Allen faces a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

It is alleged that she unlawfully inflicted grievous bodily harm upon Joanna Allen during the same incident.

The case was previously heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in August.

During that hearing, both defendants entered not guilty pleas and were subsequently sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51(1) & (2)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Both Lewis and Allen were granted unconditional bail and required to attend the Crown Court hearing scheduled for today.

The hearing at Swansea Crown Court lasted approximately 30 minutes. The session, classified as a plea and trial preparation hearing, was an important procedural step in finalising the arrangements for the upcoming trial.

The trial date has been confirmed for Tuesday, 18th March 2024. The court will then hear evidence, including witness statements and medical reports related to the incident. Both defendants are required to attend the trial, where the presented evidence will allow the court to deliberate on the charges against them.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Wales (South West) is handling the case, with Abigail Jackson representing the prosecution. The defence for both defendants is led by Fenn Richards.

As of now, no victim personal statements have been provided, and no pre-sentence report (PSR) has been ordered, pending the outcome of the trial.

A THAI woman accused of murdering her seven-year-old son has appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where the case was described as “extremely complicated” by her defence team.

Papaipit Linse, 42, is charged with the murder of her son, Louis Linse, who was found dead at a house in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on January 10. The defendant, who remains in custody, appeared in court on Monday but was not asked to enter a plea.

John Hipkin KC, representing Linse, requested that she not be arraigned due to the case’s psychiatric complexities, highlighting the need for additional time to complete necessary reports. In response, Judge Paul Thomas KC adjourned the case to a further hearing on October 25. No trial date has been set at this stage.

The prosecution is led by Caroline Rees KC, while the defence is handled by John Hipkin KC. During the brief court appearance, no new details of the case were revealed.

Police were called to an address in Upper Market Street in Haverfordwest shortly before 10.45 am on January 10. Despite the efforts of emergency services at the scene, the child was later confirmed dead. Louis was transported to Withybush General Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 12 pm.

In January, during a hearing at Pembrokeshire Coroner’s Court, coroner’s officer PC Carrie Sheridan stated: “At 10.44 am on Wednesday, January 10, police received an emergency phone call reporting the suspected death of a child. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services at the scene and medical staff at the hospital, he was pronounced deceased at 12 pm on Wednesday, January 10.”

The tragic incident has left the Haverfordwest community in shock. Further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses in the coming months.