Inquest Opens After “Much-Loved” Woman Found Dead in Cardiff Home

An inquest has begun following the tragic death of Victoria Thomas, a “much-loved” woman who was found dead at a house in Cardiff. The 45-year-old died in the early hours of Tuesday, August 20, after an alleged incident at a property on Caerphilly Road.

During the inquest opening in Pontypridd on Tuesday, Coroner’s officer Keely Mason revealed that South Wales Police were alerted to a possible assault at the address around 12:30 a.m. When officers arrived, they found the partner of the deceased upstairs, while paramedics were attempting to treat Ms. Thomas, who had sustained “injuries to her neck.” Despite their efforts, Ms. Thomas was pronounced dead at 12:48 a.m., told Wales Online.

A postmortem examination was conducted by Dr. Stephen Leadbeatter at the Princess of Wales Hospital on August 21, 2024. The provisional cause of death was identified as “1A pressure on the neck.” Further investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her death. Assistant coroner Rachel Knight, who presided over the inquest, stated, “Based upon the evidence, I am satisfied to open an inquest as I have reason to suspect her death is unnatural.”

The full inquest has been adjourned to a later date, pending further criminal investigation. Ms. Knight also expressed her condolences to Ms. Thomas’s family and friends, saying, “I want to take this opportunity to pass on my condolences to the family and friends at this sad time.”

Victoria Thomas’s family previously issued a heartfelt tribute through South Wales Police, stating: “As a family, we are devastated that our much-loved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, niece, and friend has been taken away so tragically. Our family is broken, and we will miss her forever. Please respect our privacy and our wishes to grieve at this devastating and difficult time.”

Alcwyn Thomas, 44, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on August 23, charged with the murder of Ms. Thomas at the home they shared. He did not enter a plea, and Deputy District Judge Daniel Church remanded him in custody, stating, “This court cannot consider bail in a case such as this.” The case has been adjourned and will be heard at Cardiff Crown Court at a later date.