Ashley Davies, 30, of Forge Street, Pentre was given a mandatory life sentence for the murder of Connal Evans, with the minimum term he must serve being set at 26 years before he is eligible for parole.
He appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court having been found guilty of murder and possession of a bladed article following a ten-day trial which finished on October 11.
His victim, Conall Evans, 30, was seriously wounded near the Pen Dinas flats, Dinas Road, Tonypandy in the early hours of January 1, 2024. His body was found near the Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda Hospital where he was pronounced deceased shortly after. He died from a single knife wound to his chest.
Conall Evans’ family have paid the following tribute to him:
“Losing Conall has been utterly devastating – it has torn our world apart and left an unfillable hole in our hearts. Losing a loving brother and a beautiful son the way we have is something you can never imagine. We think about Conall every minute of every day and he is with us in everything we do.
“Conall was such a happy, outgoing person who lived life to the full. Everyone who knew Conall knew what a lovely, kind-hearted person he was – he always had so much time for his family and friends.
“We have been robbed of a brother, a son, an uncle, and a friend. Conall’s beautiful smile, his infectious laugh, and his boundless spirit are things we will never experience again. The reality that he is gone forever is something we can’t come to terms with. His memory lives on in our hearts and in the hearts of everyone who loved him, but it will never replace the pain of his absence. We always have and always will love him with all our hearts.
“It is hard to find the words to say how heartbroken we are – the pain is always with us. We take some comfort from the support we have had from family and friends, with his funeral being so well attended showed us all how loved and popular Conall was.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at South Wales Police who have worked hard to bring the defendant to justice, and give special thanks to Detective Inspector David Butt for his support and for his professionalism, and to our family liaison officer. Detective Constable Joanne Ferguson, who has been with us every step of the way – supporting us in ways we can never really thank her for. And also thank you to Mr Mike Jones KC, who helped get justice for Conall and his family.”
Detective Inspector Dai Butt, said: “This case lays bare the devastating consequences of knife crime and those who carry a knife need to remember the impact their actions could have for themselves, for others, for their family and friends, and for the wider community.
“Conall’s life was cut tragically short by the barbaric actions of Ashley Davies, who now faces the prospect of spending a considerable time behind bars. I do hope this gives Conall’s family some closure – we continue to support them.
“Once again I would like to thank the local community for their support throughout the investigation.”
