Upper Market Street, Haverfordwest(Image: Media Wales)

Papaipit Linse pleads guilty to killing her seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

by · Wales Online

A mother has admitted killing her young son. Papaipit Linse pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of seven-year Louis Linse who died at a house in Haverfordwest in January this year. The defendant appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, November 22, where she entered a guilty plea to manslaughter but denied murder.

Caroline Rees KC, for the prosecution, said in the light of psychiatric reports which had raised the possibility of a defence of diminished responsibility and after a careful review of the evidence in the case the plea to manslaughter was acceptable and no trial would be sought on the count of murder.

Adjourning the case for sentence on December 13, Judge Paul Thomas KC called it a "sensitive and terribly tragic case". The 43-year-old defendant, of Upper Market Street, Haverfordwest, will remain in custody in a mental health unit unit she is sentenced.

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to an address in Upper Market Street in the Pembrokeshire town shortly before 10.45am on January 10. In an update on Friday, the force said Linse had herself called emergency services to report the death of her son, who was found in bed. He was pronounced deceased shortly after.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Gary Williams said: “This was a tragic incident, which saw officers respond to the death of a young child at the hands of his mother. Despite arriving at an extremely challenging and emotive scene, all those present acted with professionalism and care, with the united goal of carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances.

“My team and I have worked tirelessly since January to hold Linse responsible for Louis’ death, and to ensure justice is brought. Our thoughts remain with all those who knew and loved Louis.”


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