Grandmother, 65, found 'dismembered' at home after being killed by stranger as man, 25, in court charged with murder

A GRANDMOTHER was killed and dismembered in her own home by a random stranger, it's been alleged.

Luke Deeley, 25, appeared in the dock today charged with the murder of IT consultant June Fox-Roberts.

The 65-year-old was found dead with horrific knife injuries at her house in South Wales village Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd at 2.45pm on Sunday.

The defendant had gone missing from his home days earlier.

Art student Deeley, of Pontypridd, was arrested two days after the body of mum-of-three Mrs Fox-Roberts was discovered.

He spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during a five-minute hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutors allege he murdered Mrs Fox-Roberts at her property in St Anne’s Drive sometime between November 19 and 21.

Deeley, who wore a pale grey tracksuit, was calm as the charge was read to him. He did not enter a plea and no evidence was heard.

The proceedings were translated into Deeley’s first language of Welsh, but he addressed the court in English.

The defendant will next appear before a judge at the crown court in Cardiff on Monday.

He was remanded into custody ahead of the appearance.

Rugby fan Deeley is not believed to have had any connection with Mrs Fox-Roberts, police said.

'SHE WAS SO KIND'

The student, who is pictured on Facebook with Wales and British Lions star Jamie Roberts, studied at Cardiff Metropolitan University and has exhibited some of his paintings and illustrations.

Police were called to Mrs Fox-Roberts’ detached home after relatives failed to reach her by phone.

Officers were said to be “shocked” after finding her body inside the £200,000 property.

Mrs Fox-Roberts lost her husband more than a decade ago.

A manhunt was launched after locals reported seeing a “stranger” in the area carrying a plastic carrier bag.

Mrs Fox-Roberts was described as a "kind-hearted, generous woman who was never happier than when with family and friends around her" in a tribute from loved ones.

She ran a successful IT consultancy from her home, along with a small bakery and cafe called June’s Cakes and Shakes in the nearby village of Beddau.

She had three grown-up children – Trisha, Sebastian and Abigail.


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