Mother sentenced for killing her seven-year-old son

A mother has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order for killing her  “lovely and bright” seven-year-old son at home.

Papaipit Linse, of Haverfordwest, admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility when she appeared at Swansea Crown Court last month.  

The 43-year-old returned to court for sentencing today, where it was heard that three psychiatric reports had been carried out into her mental health at the time of Louis’ death. It was determined she was suffering schizophrenic and psychotic symptoms in the days before the seven-year-old was killed.

The court heard how Dyfed-Powys Police received a 999 call from an address in Market Street, Haverfordwest, at just before 10.45am on Wednesday, January 10. The caller was Linse herself, who reported that her son was dead, and that she had killed him.

Officers immediately attended, and found the young boy in bed. He was confirmed deceased at hospital shortly after.

Linse was arrested at the scene, and was charged with murder. She alleged in police interviews that she had no memory of the incident. Following several medical reports requested by the court, it was determined that while carrying out the act, she was suffering an abnormality of mental functioning likely to have substantially impaired her ability to form a rational judgement or exercise self-control.

A guilty plea to manslaughter with diminished responsibility was accepted by the court, and she was ordered to serve an indefinite hospital order. Her release, if ever deemed appropriate will be determined by a psychiatrist.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Gary Williams said: “This is a terribly sad and tragic case, and our thoughts remain very much with all those who knew and loved Louis.

““We have worked closely with the CPS and independent mental health experts who concluded that Linse was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia when she killed her son.

“I would like to thank the team of police officers and staff involved throughout the past 11 months for their diligence, professionalism and care during this emotive case, and for their efforts in ensuring a full and thorough investigation was carried out.”

The judge described Louis’ death as “unspeakably tragic” and “unbearable for many people”, adding that he hoped the sentence imposed would be understood by those who knew him.