A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a "well-loved" grandad. Aaron Cook, 37, appeared at a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, where he denied the charge of murder.
The charge relates to the death of 74-year-old Nicholas 'Brian' Parfitt, following an alleged incident at a property on Bythway Road, in Trevethin, Pontypool, on Thursday, April 23.
Additional charges denied
Cook, of Cranham Houses, Oakdale Path, Cwmbran, also pleaded not guilty to one count of breaching a restraining order between March 1 and March 16 this year. He further denied one count of making a threat to kill on April 23, 2026.
He has been remanded in custody at HMP Birmingham. A trial date has been set for November 9.
Family tribute
Mr Parfitt's family previously paid tribute to him, saying: "Brian's passing has been a shock to both the family and the community. He was a well-loved dad and grandad and highly thought of in the community."
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Shelly Comley, also previously said: "We understand that there has been a great deal of interest in this investigation. We ask that people consider how their language, especially comments made online, could impact our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice."
