A local man has formally denied the charge of murdering Christian Dean, a father-of-three whose body was discovered lying face down on a kitchen floor in Porth, South Wales. The hearing took place at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, where the accused, Thomas Griffiths, 34, entered a plea of not guilty to the alleged offence.
Christian Dean, aged 36, was a well-known handyman within the Ynyshir, Porth community. His untimely death shocked local residents after his body was found by a neighbour at a house on Graig Road on Thursday, 26 June. Emergency services attended the scene, but Mr Dean was pronounced dead.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that the provisional cause of death had been identified as a basal subarachnoid haemorrhage. According to NHS definitions, this refers to bleeding on the surface of the brain, and it is often associated with trauma or violent incidents. The results were announced following a post-mortem examination conducted by Dr Stephen Leadbeatter of the University Hospital of Wales.
A formal inquest into Mr Dean’s death was opened by Coroner Kerrie Burge. During the inquest, it was noted that there was sufficient reason to believe he had suffered a “violent and unnatural death.” Given the ongoing criminal investigation, the coroner has suspended further inquest proceedings until the conclusion of all legal matters.
Griffiths, who resides on Riverside Close in Ynyshir, remains in custody, with a trial date pencilled in for 24 November. Legal sources indicate that the trial is likely to examine the sequence of events leading up to Mr Dean’s death, as well as any wider context surrounding his relationship with the accused.
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, an outpouring of grief has swept across the local area. Flowers and heartfelt tributes have been left outside the property on Graig Road where Mr Dean’s body was found. His family released an emotional statement describing Christian as “a well-known and loved character” renowned for bringing “energy, humour and warmth wherever he went.”
The statement from the Dean family acknowledged the deep impact of his loss, saying, “The loss of Christian has deeply affected his family, friends, and the wider community who knew him well.” They described Christian as a committed father, “much-loved son, brother, partner and friend,” and have requested privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
Additional tributes have come from Christian’s brother, Julian, who referred to him as the “light of life,” underlining the affection with which he was held by his relatives and peers. Friends, neighbours and other family members continue to express their condolences and reflect on Christian’s positive influence within the community.
The case remains ongoing, and as the investigation continues, there has been heightened interest in the proceedings from both the local community and wider Welsh public. Many are awaiting further clarity as the legal process unfolds, hoping for a sense of resolution for all involved. Further updates are expected following court developments in November.