Crime
Mystery still surrounds Siân Batchelor’s death in Pembroke Dock
THE DEATH of Siân Stephanie Batchelor, a 32-year-old mother from Pembroke Dock, has left her family devastated and seeking justice. Siân’s body was found on the riverbed near Pennar on April 30 under mysterious circumstances. In the wake of her tragic death, her close friend Carmel Russant has launched a poignant GoFundMe campaign titled “Justice 4 Sian.”
The words in the appeal, although written by Carmel, are crafted to reflect what she believes Siân would express if she had the chance. They portray a woman confused and frightened by the events leading up to her death, questioning how she ended up where she was found. “I don’t know what happened to me, but, I do know I was found on the riverbed in Pennar, Pembroke Dock,” the appeal reads. The family further writes from Siân’s perspective, highlighting the unsettling detail that she was discovered fully clothed except for her shoes, which were missing—an eerie detail that has left her loved ones grasping for answers.
The appeal also conveys the deep sense of betrayal Siân would have felt towards her friends, who, according to her family, did not alert anyone when she disappeared. “None of my so-called ‘best friends’ informed my family that I was missing… Instead, no one came looking for me, why?” the emotional appeal asks, reflecting the family’s anguish and frustration over what they perceive as a failure by those who were closest to her to take action that might have saved her life.
In the heartbreaking portrayal of Siân’s final days, the GoFundMe page describes how her life had taken a downward spiral, leaving her vulnerable and isolated. They speak of her being “used and abused” by people she trusted and recount how she was “beaten up badly” just days before she was found dead. Through the imagined voice of Siân, the appeal raises the possibility that her death could have been prevented if only someone had intervened sooner. “I know they all didn’t look for me, possibly because they knew where I was all along.”
Siân’s friend says she and the and family is determined that her death will not be overlooked or forgotten. They are seeking funds to ensure legal representation at the inquest, one that they hope will not only explore the immediate cause of her death but also investigate the broader circumstances. “The truth must be told in order for all these unanswered questions to bring some closure to my truly loved ones,” the appeal declares, underscoring the family’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind Siân’s death.
Carmel Russant is also appealing for anyone who has CCTV or ring doorbell footage from the Pennar area from April 26-April 30 to get in touch.
She is particularly keen for anyone who has footage from Pennar’s Castle Street, Military Road, Stranraer Road and the Pennar Park area. She is asking people to check the footage from cameras at the front and back of their properties and also any cameras facing fields.
Anyone across the water on the opposite side of the Pembroke River to where Sian was found is also asked to check CCTV from those dates.
Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101 and quoting reference DP-20240430-284.
For those wishing to support the family’s efforts, donations can be made to the GoFundMe campaign, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the police
Crime
Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest
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.
Crime
Court hears man exposed his flaccid manhood ‘by accident’
A 21-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with intentionally exposing his genitals in a public place.
Thomas Jones is accused of carrying out the act at a property in New Moat, Clarbeston Road, on November 9, 2022.
“The defendant knocked on the door of a female and offered his gardening services,” Crown prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“She accepted his offer and moved her car so that he could move his van, but when she turned around, she could see his flaccid penis was outside his trousers. When she pointed this out to him, he said he didn’t know that it was exposed.”
Jones denies the charge. He was released on unconditional bail to await his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on January 6.
Crime
Regular cocaine user from Milford Haven taken off the road
A MILFORD HAVEN resident who admits to being a regular cocaine user has lost his driving licence after being found behind the wheel when he was 15 times over the legal Benzoylecgonine limit.
Teifion Morse, 41, was stopped by officers just before midnight on May 1 following reports that he was driving his Vauxhall Insignia along the A477 at excessive speeds.
“The vehicle was travelling westwards towards Kilgetty, and Teifion Morse was the driver and the sole occupant, “ Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed that Morse had 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system (the legal limit is 50), and 20 mcg of cocaine. The legal limit is 10.
Ms James said that when Morse was spoken to by officers, he told them that he knew the readings would be positive. “I’ve done stupid amounts today,” he said.
Morse, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug driving. A probation report stated that since leaving the military five and a half years ago, Morse has suffered from mental health issues.
He’s been using cocaine as a coping mechanism,” said the probation officer. “He freely admits that he uses cocaine to help him cope, but it’s spiralled and is getting more and more out of control. He would like support to kick this habit.”
Morse chose to be legally unrepresented when he appeared before magistrates.
“It was my stupid fault and I’m trying to take the correct steps to get on the right path,” he said in mitigation.
Morse was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must pay a £140 court surcharge and £85 costs.
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