Caerphilly woman sentenced for murder

Rebecca Press, 31, from Caerphilly, has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of the murder of Marc Ash in July 2022.

Rebecca Press, 31, from Caerphilly, has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of the murder of Marc Ash in July 2022.

Today, she was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court.

After a short trial in court, Press changed her plea to guilty of murdering the 57-year-old in an address in Elliots Town, Caerphilly.

The family of Marc Ash has released this statement following today's sentencing:

“I would like this opportunity to say some words on behalf of my Dad.

“I loved my father and cannot believe that he has been so cruelly taken from my life.

“My father was intelligent, kind, gentle and funny with an in-depth knowledge of music and other subjects which he introduced me to. I share similar interests to my father.

“I hope to study Law as a career and my father will never see me go to university, graduate, or start a family. He didn’t see me reach my 18^th birthday, pass my driving test or exams of which I know he would be proud.

“All these opportunities I have been denied and will have to live with the fact that I no longer have a father for the rest of my life.”

Marc’s parents added:

“Marc’s life was tragically taken from him. His family and friends are devastated by his shocking demise.

“He was a gentle soul; unassuming in his demeanour; a gentleman. To simply say he will be sadly missed is an understatement but we have indeed been blessed to have him.”

Detective Superintendent Michelle Chaplin said:

"This is a tragic and senseless incident which led to the death of a loved man.

"The family of Marc Ash have been left devastated by their loss and have had to hear distressing details about their loved ones' death through the court trial as they sought to get justice for Marc's death.

"I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Marc’s family and friends for their courage, dignity and support throughout our investigation. No sentence can make up for their loss, our thoughts remain with them."

She will serve a minimum term of 20 years in prison.