Woman accused of murder due to face trial in January – but can’t get legal representation

A woman accused of murder has been remanded in custody after appearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

Rebecca Press, 31, of Second Avenue, Trecenydd, is charged with killing 57-year-old Richard Ash.

Appearing via videolink from prison on Thursday, July 21,, Press, who has dyed bright pink hair, did not speak other than to confirm her name, address and date of birth.

No bail application was made and she was remanded in custody until at least August 17, when a pretrial hearing is due to happen.

Although no plea was formally entered, a trial, lasting between two to three weeks, was provisionally scheduled for January 9, next year.

But due to the on-going barrister strike, Press does not have a legal team to instruct in court.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told Press’ solicitors they needed to do more to ensure she had a proper defence.

She said: “You’re going to have to make enquiries right across England and Wales.”

In a statement, Gwent Police said they were called to an address in Elliots Town, near New Tredegar, at around 12.30am on Sunday, July 17 after a man was found unresponsive.

The statement continued: “Officers attended along with paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed that a 57-year-old man had died.

“His next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers.”

Press is also accused of assaulting another woman on the same day.