03/05/2005

Man has convictions quashed in Welsh family murder

A man who was jailed for life for the murder of four members of a Welsh family has had his convictions quashed.

David Morris, 42, was jailed for life in June 2002 for the murders of his former lover Mandy Power, 34, her two daughters, Katy, 10, and Emily, 8, and the girls’ grandmother Doris Dawson, 80, at their home in Clydach, near Swansea in June 1999. All four victims had been bludgeoned to death and the house had been set on fire, in what appeared to be an attempt by the killer to cover up the crime.

Mr Morris had always maintained his innocence.

At the appeal court in Cardiff, Lord Justice Pill read out the ruling, which stated that Mr Morris had not received a fair trial because of a conflict of interest during the original trial.

Mr Morris’ solicitor had represented Stephen Lewis, a police officer who had originally been suspected of committing the murders, along with his wife Angela Lewis.

Mrs Lewis, a former police policewoman had been Ms Power's lesbian lover. No charges were ever brought against the couple.

Mr Morris will now face a retrial. Lord Justice Pill directed that a fresh indictment be drawn up and Mr Morris rearraigned within two months.

Mr Morris was remanded in custody following the hearing. No application for bail was made.

(KMcA/SP)

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