'Loving dad' found dead had facial injuries - inquest

A 37-year-old man found dead in his home had severe facial injuries, an inquest has heard.

Craig Richardson's body was discovered by police officers in a bed in his home in Acrefair, Wrexham, on 23 February.

Thomas Iveson, 30, from Burton in Wrexham is accused of murder.

The opening of an inquest into the death was told that a Home Office pathologist gave a provisional cause of death as airway asphyxiation due to inhalation of blood from facial injuries.

Officers were called to the address just before 12:30 GMT following concerns for the safety of Mr Richardson.

He was pronounced dead by paramedics.

Another man, 32, also from Wrexham, was also arrested in connection with the murder and later released pending further investigation.

Adjourning the inquest, the Senior Coroner Ruthin John Gittins, said Mr Richardson's body would not be released for burial until it was known whether a second post-mortem examination would be called for.

Following his death, Mr Richardson's family described as "a loving son, dad, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, partner and friend", who was "full of fun".

Mr Iveson denies murder and is due to go on trial at Mold Crown Court on 20 October.