A NORTH Pembrokeshire writer has published a collection of poems and prose about the loss of her son.

Timothy 'Timo' Baxter was murdered in 1999, aged 24.

Through writing about what happened, Linda Baxter was able to explore the emotions she experienced following her son's senseless death.

The book, Losing Timo - described as a 'triumph over personal tragedy' - was originally Linda's dissertation for a creative writing MA at Trinity College, Carmarthen. She finished it two years ago.

"Coming back to it this year and turning it into a book brought all the pain and grief back, but I'm better able to deal with it now," said Linda. "Writing about it was a good solution to my emotional difficulties. It really does help."

As well as poetry and prose, the book contains the bare facts of Timo's murder, and what came after.

"It's almost like a diary of what happened," said Linda. "I write the truth. It's a way of getting it out."

Linda will be signing copies of Losing Timo - soon to be widely available - at Y Siop Lyfrau The Bookshop, Newport, on Thursday, October 21st, between 11.30am and 1.30pm.

IN the early hours of June 18th, 1999, Timo Baxter and his friend Gabriel Cornish were attacked by three youths as they walked home across London's Hungerford Bridge. Three other youths arrived on the scene, and joined in.

The gang beat Timo and Gabriel unconscious, then threw them off the bridge into the Thames.

Gabriel came round to find himself in the water. He managed to shout for help, and was rescued.

Timo never regained consciousness. His body was later found washed up on the side of the river.

The attackers were aged between 14 and 21. One was a 16-year-old girl.

All six were found guilty of Timo's murder, and the attempted murder of Gabriel.

All the adults are serving life sentences in prison, and the juveniles are being detained during Her Majesty's pleasure