Crime

70-Year-old woman in court over death baby Mabli

Published

2 years ago

August 23, 2024

A 70-YEAR-OLD woman has appeared in court charged with causing the death of an eight-month-old baby girl following a tragic crash outside Withybush Hospital last year.

Bridget Curtis, of Begelly, Pembrokeshire, stood before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court, facing a serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

REPORT FOR BBC WALES TODAY 22.08.2024

The charge stems from a devastating incident that took place on June 21, 2023, when Curtis, behind the wheel of her BMW 520D, was involved in a collision that led to the death of Mabli Cariad Hall, an eight-month-old baby girl.

A report from bbc wales today earlier this year, on the anniversary of baby mabli’s death

During the brief court appearance, Curtis, represented by John Dye of 3D Solicitors Ltd, only spoke to confirm her name, date of birth, and address. She did not enter a plea. The case has been committed to Swansea Crown Court, with a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for September 20, 2024. Curtis was granted bail until her next court appearance.

The tragic event unfolded just outside Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 11:50am, responding to reports of a serious collision. The crash involved four people, including the infant, a pedestrian, the driver (Curtis), and a passenger in the vehicle. The severity of the crash prompted an immediate and extensive emergency response.

Mabli Cariad Hall was airlifted from the scene to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff before being transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, Mabli succumbed to her injuries. An inquest later revealed that the cause of death was severe traumatic brain injuries, a tragic outcome that has left the community reeling.

In the months following the accident, Mabli’s family has endured an unimaginably difficult period. In a statement released by Dyfed-Powys Police, the Hall family expressed their deep gratitude towards the police for their diligent handling of the case. “This last year has been the most horrendous time of our lives. Our family life has been changed forever, and to this day, we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened,” they said.

The family also acknowledged the support they received from 2Wish, a charity that offers assistance to families who have experienced the sudden loss of a child. They described reaching this stage of the legal process as a significant step forward, though they remain aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

“We are grateful that we have now reached this stage of the process. We understand we have more to come, but this is the biggest step forward we’ve had since June last year,” the family noted.

The family’s statement also extended thanks to friends, family, and the broader community who have supported them during this challenging time. “We will never forget the love and support shown to us and for the memory of our precious angel, Mabli Cariad,” they said.

The charge of causing death by dangerous driving is a serious one under Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The case’s transfer to Swansea Crown Court indicates the gravity of the alleged offence and the complexities involved in the legal proceedings.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.