Mourners line streets for respected grandad
MOURNERS lined the streets in a Valleys community yesterday to pay their respects to a man who died in an alleged murder in a supermarket.
Neighbours of “extremely respected” John Rees, 88, stood on their doorsteps to pay tribute as his funeral cortege went past.
Proud grandfather Mr Rees died earlier this month when he suffered multiple facial fractures in an incident at a village Co-op.
As the nation’s coronavirus lockdown measures remained in place – ahead of Monday’s slight relaxation of restrictions – a small service was held outside All Saints Church in Trealaw, Rhondda, by Reverend Peter Gale.
Dedicated churchgoer Mr Rees had been described as “one of the bestloved members of the congregation”.
More than 100 people stood out on the streets to hear the reading and prayers.
The funeral procession then moved on to the family home in nearby Tonypandy, where grieving neighbours stood on their doorsteps in silence.
Mr Rees was then taken seven miles away to the Glyntaff crematorium in Pontypridd to be laid to rest.
Mr Rees died on May 5 after an incident in the Co-op convenience store in Tylacelyn Road, Penygraig, while wife Eunice, 87, waited in the car outside.
Paying tribute at the time, his 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 will all miss him terribly.”
Nephew Michael Smith added: “It’s incredibly upsetting. You feel sorry for the person impacted, but you have no comprehension about the knock-on for the family.”
An inquest opening held a fortnight ago heard Mr Rees died from severe blunt force trauma to his face.
Zara Radcliffe, 29, is accused of his murder and the attempted murder of three other shoppers – Andrew Price, Gaynor Saurin and Lisa Way.
The inquest was adjourned until after criminal proceedings.