Rhondda Co-op death: 'Disbelief' over John Rees killing

An 88-year-old man who died at a south Wales supermarket "would do anything for anyone", his grieving nephew said.

John Rees died from "severe blunt force trauma" after the incident at the Co-op in Penygraig, Rhondda, on 5 May, Cardiff Crown Court has been told.

Zara Radcliffe, 29, from Porth, is accused of his murder and the attempted murder of three others - Andrew Price, Gaynor Saurin and Lisa Way.

She was remanded in custody after the hearing on Monday.

Michael Smith, from Pontypridd, said he reacted with "absolute disbelief" when he heard what had happened to his uncle.

"It's incredibly upsetting," he said.

"You feel sorry for the person impacted, but you have no comprehension about the knock on for the family."

Mr Rees, a retired senior engineer, lived with his wife Eunice at their home in nearby Trealaw.

"My aunt is extremely frail. Eunice was totally dependent on him," added Mr Rees' nephew.

"Even though John was 88 he was physically fit and would often take her out to Pontypridd and they would sit in the Prince's Café."

Ms Radcliffe appeared in court via a video link, and no plea to the charges was entered.

Judge Paul Thomas said the trial would take place at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on 18 October.

More than £1,500 has been raised in donations for Mr Rees after a fund was set up a All Saints Church, where Mr Rees helped ring the bells every Thursday for key workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

His nephew said he was not surprised: "He was so very well thought of. Everyone knows John. If you can model yourself on him you'd do quite well.

"If you try and think what would he do in a situation and do it, you'll be on the right track."