Peter's Pies heir's 'murder victim' died of 'stab wounds' at Christmas

16 January 2024 , 13:37

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William Bush died of stab wounds (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)

The housemate of an heir to a £230m fortune died of multiple stab wounds to his neck and body at the home they shared, an inquest has heard.

The body of William Bush was found on Christmas Eve in the house he shared with former fellow private school pupil Dylan Thomas, who has since been charged with murder. Thomas - the grandson of pie and property tycoon Sir Gilbert Stanley Thomas and heir to a £230million fortune - was charged following reports of a stabbing at their home in Llandaff, Cardiff.

An inquest heard today that officers from South Wales Police were called to reports of a stabbing. Coroners' officer Beverley Morgan told the hearing multiple officers arrived at the scene and immediately performed CPR after finding Mr Bush injured in Chapel Street car park next to the city's landmark Llandaff Cathedral.

Paramedics arrived and he was taken two miles to the University Hospital of Wales, but the 23 year old was pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination carried out by Dr Richard Jones at the University Hospital of Wales recorded a provisional cause of death as multiple stab wounds to the neck and body.

Thomas, also 23, has been charged with murder and is due to appear in Cardiff Crown Court next month. Mr Bush's grief-stricken family - English teacher father John, 61, mother Elizabeth, 63, sister Catrin and brother Alexander - have paid tribute to the keen rugby player and golfer.

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Dylan Thomas has been charged with murder (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

The family, who live in Brecon, South Wales, said: "Our beloved Will was taken away from us in such a cruel and indescribable way. "Will was such a loyal, funny and caring son, brother and boyfriend." William, who was working as a surveyor with a commercial property firm, and Thomas had attended the private Christ College in Brecon.

The pair were regarded as best friends and moved into together in a terraced house jointly owned by Thomas' grandparents and Welsh rugby great Sir Gareth Edwards. Thomas, a computer programmer, is the grandson of Sir Gilbert Stanley Thomas, 82, who was knighted in 2006 for his charity work and services to business. His father, also called Stanley Thomas, started selling meat pies in Merthyr Tydfil in the Welsh Valleys. The business, Peter's Savoury Products - aka Peter's Pies - was sold for £75million in 1988. His family also owned a fifth share of the TBI group, which owned several airports, including Cardiff.

Area coroner for south Wales central Patricia Morgan told the inquest opening on Tuesday that she could not set a date for a full inquest. She told the hearing that "due to the ongoing investigation arising from this matter" she needed to suspend the inquest until police inquiries are complete.

Kelly-Ann Mills