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.

A VETERINARY expert is set to testify in the trial of a Pembrokeshire woman accused of causing unnecessary suffering to her pet cat, in a case that has garnered the attention of animal welfare groups across the country.

Maria Jane Hicks, 61, of Willow End, Milford Haven, stands accused of failing to seek veterinary treatment for her black and white cat, Max, who was reportedly suffering from a cancerous tumour on his nose. The alleged offence is said to have occurred between 6 May and 17 May of this year.

The case, brought forward by the RSPCA, has seen Hicks vehemently deny the charge. She opted for a trial at crown court, underlining her intention to contest the prosecution’s allegations. At her first court appearance on Monday, 3 June at Swansea Crown Court, Hicks maintained her innocence and was subsequently granted unconditional bail until the trial.

In a hearing held today, Thursday, 26 September, Judge Paul Thomas was informed of the defence’s intention to enlist a veterinary expert to produce a detailed report. Initial efforts to secure the services of a holistic veterinary surgeon, of which there are only 50 practising in the UK, were unsuccessful. However, the defence has since managed to find a mainstream veterinary professional who is now tasked with compiling the necessary report. This process is anticipated to take between four and six weeks.

Judge Thomas has scheduled a pre-trial hearing for late November to review the case’s progress, with the trial itself set to commence in January next year.

The RSPCA has yet to comment on the upcoming trial, but the case is already sparking discussions around pet care responsibilities and the legal obligations of pet owners in providing appropriate medical treatment. Should Hicks be found guilty, the outcome could have significant implications for animal welfare laws in the UK.

As the trial date looms, the eyes of both local residents and national animal welfare advocates remain fixed on this unfolding legal drama in Pembrokeshire.

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

The incident unfolded on Monday, 16 September, when locals reported a significant police presence, including armed officers, dog units, and a police helicopter, arriving in the typically tranquil village.

Dyfed-Powys Police issued a statement that evening, confirming the ‘unusual police presence’ was due to an ‘isolated incident’ that had been ‘safely resolved’. However, two police patrol cars remained stationed in the area late into the evening to provide reassurance to concerned residents.

Today, Wednesday, 25 September, Dyfed-Powys Police released further details about the incident. The force confirmed they had responded to reports of an assault in which the victim had sustained injuries.

A police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of an assault on St Dogmaels Road, Cardigan, on Monday 16 September 2024 at approximately 1.55pm. The victim sustained minor injuries.”

Following their investigation, officers arrested and charged a 52-year-old man with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault in relation to the incident.

The heightened police activity in the usually peaceful village left residents on edge, but the police presence late into the night was intended to reassure the local community that the situation was under control.

The man charged in connection with this incident is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.