A 66-year-old pensioner has appeared in court charged with murder following a fatal disturbance at a property near a retirement home in St Asaph on Christmas Day.
Christmas Day Emergency Call
North Wales Police were called to a property on High Street in St Asaph, Denbighshire, shortly after midday on 25 December following reports of a serious disturbance. Emergency services attended the scene, where they found a 68-year-old man seriously injured.
The victim was taken to hospital for urgent treatment but, despite medical efforts, he sadly died later that same day. The incident occurred near the Old Palace Flats, close to a local retirement home, sending shockwaves through the small cathedral city.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Following a swift investigation, police arrested James Ronald Hughes, a 66-year-old resident of High Street in St Asaph. Hughes was subsequently charged with murder in connection with the pensioner's death.
As stated by North Wales Police, Hughes appeared at Llandudno Magistrates' Court on Monday, 29 December. The force has confirmed that the tragic incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is standard procedure following a death after police contact.
Police Appeal and Community Reassurance
Detective Chief Inspector Eleri Thomas is leading the investigation and has made a direct appeal to the public for information. "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," she said.
DCI Thomas moved to reassure concerned local residents, stating 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 was maintained in the area for reassurance following the tragic events.
The detective also issued a stern warning regarding social media commentary, stressing that nothing should be posted online that could prejudice future court proceedings or undermine the criminal justice process, now that charges have been authorised.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Wales Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting the reference number 25001050086.
