A Trinant man who killed his friend after taking a “cocktail of drugs” has been found guilty of murder.
Paul Mapps killed Ian Davies on January 11 this year, inflicting a 14.5cm wound after taking ketamine, mephedrone and cocaine.
The jury at Cardiff Crown Court were deliberating since Friday July 25 and today, July 29, found the 27-year-old guilty of murdering Ian Davies by a majority of 10-2.
Mr Davies, 27, was killed at Mapps’ home in Marshfield Road, Trinant, after a series of arguments between the pair and the court heard how Mapps told the victim, “I’ll cut you butt, I’ll kill you”.
The jury heard earlier in the trial how Mapps had told police after his arrest, “this is a big one, I’ll do 15 years and I’ll see my daughter again when she’s 18”.
Gwent Police Detective Chief Inspector Richard Williams said: “We are pleased with todays’ verdict and our thoughts remain with Ian Davies’ family who have been present throughout the trial and have listened to some particularly upsetting details about his death.
“Throughout this case they have remained dignified and I would like to acknowledge their bravery.
“Since Ian’s death Paul Mapps has sought to absolve himself of any responsibility by first claiming someone else was responsible, and when this was disproved, claiming he was acting in self-defence.
“His attempts to deceive the Court have failed and I hope the verdict brings the family some closure.”
Mapps will be sentenced on August 6.