Husband accused of killing his wife (From Barry And District News)

Husband accused of killing his wife

A BARRY man has appeared before town magistrates charged with the murder of his 43-year-old wife.

Christopher Michael Pugh, 42, of Court Road, was arrested on Sunday, after the body of Karon Theresa Pugh - a mother of four - was found in their family home by her sister.

It is believed Mrs Pugh had sustained severe head injuries.

Wearing a white T-shirt, Pugh spoke only to confirm his name when he appeared at Barry Magistrates Court yesterday. Members of the family, including a number of the Pugh children, watched from the public gallery.

Prosecuting, Owen Williams asked that the case be transferred to Cardiff Crown Court under the terms of the Crime and Disorder Act.

Pugh's solicitor, Martin Prowl, said there would be no application for bail. Chairman of the bench Hywel Thomas told Pugh: "This case will be transferred to Cardiff Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on July 9. Legal aid has been extended to cover court proceedings.

"In the meantime, you will be remanded in custody."

Mrs Pugh's death has sent shockwaves across the town. The house is just yards from the local police station.

Forensic scientists attended the scene immediately, while Barry police conducted door-to-door inquiries.

The results of the post mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist to determine Mrs Pugh's cause of death have not yet been released.

One man living close to the Pughs, who did not want to be named, said the family kept themselves to themselves.

He said: "I work during the day, and never had cause to notice them during the night. So as far as I know they were just a normal family."

Mrs Pugh had just become a grandmother after her 17-year-old daughter recently gave birth to her first child.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the incident room on 01446 731606 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.