Stabbed and bludgeoned
AN inquest opened last week into the deaths of a mother with links to Anglesey and her two children.
The bodies of Geraldine Newman, 52, Shannon, 11, and sixyear-old Shane were discovered at the family home in Leeds.
Mrs Newman’s estranged husband Paul Newman, 42, was found dead on the same day 180 miles away at the bottom of cliffs at South Stack on Anglesey.
He is believed to have carried out the triple murder and police are not hunting for anyone else in connection with the deaths.
The parents of his wife, known as Gerry, live near Holyhead.
The court heard that police were alerted to the killings at 11.49am on February 2 after being called by a neighbour.
Paramedics who arrived at the property on Beeston Way, Allerton Bywater, confirmed the deaths of Geraldine, a store manager, and the youngsters.
Coroner David Hinchliff said forensic reports showed Geraldine died as a result of head injury caused by blunt force trauma. Both Shannon and Shane died as a result of haemorrhage after suffering multiple stab wounds.
A pathologist confirmed unemployed driver Mr Newman died as a result of multiple injuries consistent with a fall.
The hearing was adjourned pending the outcome of further enquiries and a full inquest into the deaths will be resumed at a later date.
At the time of the deaths Detective Chief Inspector Warren Stevenson, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said the tragedy appeared to be a “domesticrelated incident”.
Tributes were paid to Shannon by Helen Gilroy, acting headteacher at St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School.
Ms Gilroy said: “Shannon was a bright, intelligent, enthusiastic, hardworking and caring student. Shannon was very popular among her peers and will be greatly missed by all members of our community.”
And Sarah Spencer, headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, Castleford, spoke highly of Shane. “Shane was a caring, lovable young boy, full of fun, who enjoyed school and made many friends,” she said. “He will be missed by all here at St Joseph’s school.”