A 66-year-old pensioner has been charged with murder following the death of a 68-year-old man after a disturbance on Christmas Day near a retirement home in St Asaph, Denbighshire.
James Ronald Hughes, of High Street, St Asaph, is scheduled to appear at Llandudno Magistrates' Court on Monday, December 29, North Wales Police confirmed.
Emergency Response on Christmas Day
Police and other emergency services were called to a property on High Street in St Asaph shortly after 12pm on December 25 following reports of a disturbance.
The incident occurred near the Old Palace Flats, close to a retirement home. A 68-year-old man was taken to hospital from the scene but sadly died later the same day.
North Wales Police subsequently arrested and charged James Ronald Hughes in connection with the death.
Police Investigation and Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Eleri Thomas is leading the investigation and has appealed for information from the public.
"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of the Old Palace Flats and witnessed or heard anything prior to 12pm to contact police," said DCI Thomas.
She reassured local residents that this appears to be an isolated incident and that investigators are not looking for anyone else in connection with the matter.
A police presence remains in the area for reassurance while investigations continue.
Legal Proceedings and IOPC Referral
With charges now authorised, DCI Thomas stressed that nothing should be posted online that could prejudice future court proceedings or undermine the criminal justice process.
North Wales Police also confirmed that the incident is being referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is standard procedure following a death after police contact.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Wales Police through their website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 25001050086.
