The family of a mother-of-four described as the foundation of her family cried in court as her murderer remained unemotional in the dock.
Albert Williams, 66, pleaded guilty to the murder of Charlene Dowsell, 41, at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday morning. Ms Dowsell died after suffering a fatal stab wound to her back in Newport city centre in July.
Arrest and guilty plea
Williams was arrested after police responded to reports of an altercation outside a property on St Vincent Street in the early hours of July 18. Specially-trained firearms officers attended the scene and Ms Dowsell was pronounced dead by paramedics a short distance away near Chepstow Road.
During a brief hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday morning Williams pleaded guilty to Ms Dowsell's murder. The defendant, who was wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name and enter the plea.
Court proceedings and sentencing date
Members of Ms Dowsell's family cried in court as he entered the plea, while the defendant was unemotional in the hearing, during which he looked straight ahead at Recorder Tracey Lloyd-Clarke.
The judge told the defendant that the only sentence that can be passed down is one of life imprisonment and the court will need to determine how long he must serve in custody before he is eligible for parole. Williams was told he is due to be sentenced on Monday, December 21 and he was remanded into custody.
Family tribute
Following her death Ms Dowsell's family described her as "the foundation to our family". In a tribute released by police following her death, her family said: "To our beautiful daughter Charlene, mum of four beautiful children. They say time will heal, but time will never change how we as a family feel."
"You're so loved by everyone that really knew you. You have left us broken hearted - we are all in shock. We don't know what to do but we are finding comfort in memories we have of you. You did not deserve what you went through, our girl."
"Losing our daughter at such a young age, she was the foundation to our family and without her it’s difficult to know what to do and what comes next. Four children without a mum is just heartbreaking."
"Gone are the days we used to share but in my heart you will always be there. You're at peace now our beautiful girl. Gone but never forgotten."
