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The parents of a man who was found dead in Elliots Town, New Tredegar, over the weekend have said they were “blessed to be his parents”.

Richard Marc Ash, 57, died in the early hours of Sunday, July 17.

Police were called to an address on Long Row at around 12.40am, where he was found unresponsive.

In a statement issued to the press through Gwent Police, Mr Ash’s father said: “Richard Marc was an introverted, lovely person. My wife and I were blessed to be his parents.

“All those who knew Richard Marc have nothing but praise for the type of man he was.

“He was a lovely person and we will always remember him as such.”

A murder investigation was launched by police following his death.

Rebecca Press, 31, of Second Avenue, Trecenydd, is charged with his murder.

Appearing at Newport Crown Court 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.

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