WOMAN FACES MURDER CHARGE
A 29-YEAR-OLD woman has appeared in court after being charged with the murder of an elderly man and the attempted murder of three other people.
Zara Radcliffe appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court yesterday accused of killing 88-year-old John Rees, from Trealaw.
He died following an incident at a Co-op convenience store in Tylacelyn Road in Penygraig, Rhondda, at 1.45pm on Tuesday.
Radcliffe was also accused of three counts of attempted murder relating to other people who were hurt in the incident – 53-year-old nurse Lisa Way, 65-year-old Gaynor Saurin and 58-yearold Andrew Price.
In a statement released through South Wales Police earlier this week, Mr Rees’ family said: “John was the very definition of a good man, extremely respected and liked in the community.
“He was proud of his family, proud to be a Welshman, and devoted to All Saints Church. We all miss him terribly.”
Floral tributes have been left outside the convenience store and at All Saints Church.
One said: “Our hearts go out for John and his beloved wife Eunice and family. We are all heartbroken. Such a lovely, lovely gentleman, kind and caring, so so sad. God bless.
“Thanks for being the lovely man who has rung our church bells every Thursday night for the NHS. You will be very sadly missed by everyone.”
The defendant, from Wyndham Street in Porth, has not yet entered pleas and was remanded in custody until she appears at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday. Radcliffe, who had black short hair and wore a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address during the two-minute hearing.
The incident left one man in a stable condition in hospital and two other people suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
No bail application was made on Radcliffe’s behalf and District Judge David Webster remanded her into custody to appear before a judge on Monday.
“I must send this case to the crown court for trial,” he said.
“The first hearing will be on Monday May 11. It will be sent to Merthyr Crown Court but it will likely be heard at Cardiff because of the public health emergency.”
Officers are continuing to appeal to any witnesses who have not yet come forward to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 with reference 2000153856.
South Wales Police said uniformed officers will continue to maintain a visible presence in the area.