Boy 7 killed by Thai mother rocks quiet Welsh town
Police in Wales reported that the death of a 7 year old boy at the hands of his Thai mother has rocked the quiet Welsh town of Haverfordwest.
Seven year old Louis Linse was found dead in his bed, his life tragically cut short by his mother. Thai-born Papaipit Linse admitted to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, a truth that unravels a harrowing tale of domestic turmoil and emotional turmoil.
Earlier this week at Swansea Crown Court, the 43 year old mother of two confessed to the heart-wrenching crime, leaving the community and local law enforcement in deep shock. The day of January 10 this year turned into a nightmare when Linse made the heart-stopping call to emergency services, reporting her son’s unresponsive state.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Williams, leading the investigation, shared the heavy burden felt by the force.
“This was truly a heartbreaking incident. Our officers faced an exceptionally emotive situation but approached it with unwavering professionalism and compassion, ensuring a meticulous investigation.”
The tragedy not only ripped through the lives of those in Haverfordwest but also unveiled the intense personal battles Linse grappled with for years. Originally from Chiang Mai, Thailand, she finds herself estranged from her 51 year old husband Edward Linse, a businessman whose life derailed in a psychiatric facility.
Their troubled marriage, scarred by domestic violence and financial ruin, saw its darkest days in 2017. A heated argument over visa issues at their luxurious £1.2m (52.6 million baht) Cheshire home ended with Edward assaulting Papaipit using, of all things, a children’s book. This bizarre attack further exposed the volatility simmering beneath their relationship’s surface. Edward’s lawyer pointed to his turbulent school years as the root of his uncontrolled emotions.
As the years passed, the violence only magnified. Edward eventually faced conviction for a vicious assault on his parents, a crime that landed him behind the locked doors of a psychiatric institution. Meanwhile, Linse was left to shoulder the weight of parenting their two young children alone.
Their marriage’s demise was further exacerbated by financial strain. After a failed café business in Chiang Mai, the couple moved to the UK. But 2022 brought yet another blow when their landscaping company, Alderley Landscapes, shuttered its doors, prompting Linse to seek a new beginning in Haverfordwest.
Neighbours along Upper Market Street described Linse as a quiet and reserved woman devoted to homeschooling her children. Despite their hardships, young Louis appeared well looked after, leaving neighbours like Dr Sean Phelan in disbelief.
“I never imagined such a tragedy could unfold here. Louis and his sibling were always polite and cheerful. It’s chilling to think of the hidden pain at home.”
Forensic experts have worked tirelessly to unravel the circumstances surrounding little Louis’ untimely death, as floral tributes accumulate outside the unassuming house where he lived. The community is left mourning a young life lost in unimaginable circumstances.
DCI Williams lauded the dedication of his team, acknowledging the emotional strain on emergency responders.
“Our officers have worked relentlessly since January to achieve justice for Louis. No court ruling can reverse this heart-wrenching loss, but we hope it affords some solace to those who knew and loved him. Our thoughts are with them during this devastating time.”
Now in custody, Linse awaits sentencing on December 13. The court is expected to weigh her mental health struggles and years of abuse when deciding her fate. As the community continues its raw journey of healing, the shadow of young Louis’ loss lingers profoundly on all who knew the vivacious spirit snuffed out too soon.
Original story: Thai woman faces complex murder case over son’s death in UK
A Thai woman, accused of murdering her seven year old son in the UK, made an appearance at Swansea Crown Court this week. The defence team described the case as “extremely complicated.”
The Thai woman, 42 year old Papaipit Linse, who remains in custody, appeared in court but did not enter a plea. John Hipkin KC, representing Papaipit, requested that she not be prosecuted due to the psychiatric complexities of the case, highlighting the need for additional time to complete necessary reports. Judge Paul Thomas KC adjourned the case to a further hearing scheduled for October 25. A trial date has not yet been set.
Caroline Rees KC leads the prosecution team, while John Hipkin KC handles the defence. During the brief court session, no new case details were disclosed.
Police were called to an address in Upper Market Street, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, shortly before 10.45am on January 10. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the child, Louis, was later confirmed dead. He was transported to Withybush General Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 12pm.
In January, during a hearing at Pembrokeshire Coroner’s Court, coroner’s officer PC Carrie Sheridan said, “At 10.44am 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 noon.”
