Child-sex accused dead after hearing

A MAN accused of sexual activity with a child was found dead the day after he appeared in court.

Stuart Frith appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on May 4.

The 41-year-old, of Heol Treharne, Coytrahen, Bridgend, had pleaded not guilty to charges including causing/inciting a female child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 and three counts of causing a child under 13 to watch a sexual act.

Speaking at a court hearing yesterday, prosecutor Ieuan Bennett said Mr Frith had spoken with solicitors on May 4 and had “reacted badly” to the conversation.

Mr Bennett said: “He took his own life by hanging himself on May 5... no more can be done with the case once the defendant is deceased.”

The court heard an officer had identified Mr Frith’s body and confirmed his death, and he was also formally identified by his mother.

Mr Bennett said he had spoken to the defendant’s solicitor, who “had no idea what the defendant intended to do”.

Judge Catherine Richards said: “In the circumstances it’s simply the indictment being endorsed to having no legal effect and the file is closed.

“It’s plainly a tragedy in the circumstances.”

A file has been passed to the coroner in regards to Mr Frith’s death and an inquest will take place in due course.