Pensioner died from severe blunt force trauma in Rhondda Co-op attack

A pensioner died after suffering multiple facial fractures in an attack while he was shopping at grocery store in the Rhondda Valley, an inquest heard.

South Wales Coroner’s Court at Pontypridd heard how it is thought John Rees, 88 and from Tonypandy, died of severe blunt force trauma to the face and multiple facial fractures.

29 year-old Zara Ann Radcliffe from Porth was charged with his murder following the incident at the Co-Op store in Penygraig on May 5th.

The coroner’s court heard how Mr Rees - a popular local figure - had gone shopping with his wife.

While she waited in the car, he was attacked by an individual not known to him inside the shop. He died at the scene.

The coroner, Mr Graeme Hughes, confirmed that he had a statutory duty to investigate the circumstances around John Rees’ death but adjourned the inquest after today’s short hearing.

He passed on his condolences to Mr Rees’ family and friends.