‘Sarah was my best friend and touched many more lives along the way’
Widower’s tribute to mum of two, as a man is charged with her murder:
A MAN has been charged with the murder of a 38-year-old mother of two who was found dead at a house in Pontypridd.
The body of Sarah Hassall was found on Sunday.
South Wales Police last night said Brian Manship, from Pontypridd, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court today.
Manship, 37, was arrested on suspicion of Ms Hassall’s murder on Sunday.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark O’Shea, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “I would like to thank the local community for their support and co-operation following this shocking incident and I would like to emphasise that incidents of this nature really are extremely rare.”
Police were called to an address in Llys Graig Ty Wion, Pontypridd, on Sunday, and Ms Hassell was later found dead.
There was a large police presence in the area throughout Sunday and Monday as officers continued their investigation.
Yesterday’s development came just hours after Ms Hassell’s family paid tribute to the ex-servicewoman, describing her as a wonderful mum to her two sons.
The married mum-of-two had served in the military for 14 years, where she took part in mountain search and rescue operations.
She was remembered by her widower as a woman who had “touched many lives” through her life.
Ms Hassall was from Chelmsford, Essex.
Her family paid the following tribute to her: “After growing up in the family home in Chelmsford, Sarah dedicated herself to 14 years of military service in both the RAF and the Royal Engineers.
“Her career was dominated by her commitment to mountain search and rescue – Sarah represented her units at both rock climbing competitions and competitive running.
“Sarah left the army in 2010 to embark on, and excel at, even greater challenges – raising two young boys, Owain and Evan.”
Her husband added: “Sarah was my best friend and touched many more lives along the way. We all now mourn her passing, grateful for the short time we had in her company.”
Ms Hassall’s family were yesterday being supported by specially-trained family liaison officers.