Teenager Pleads Guilty to Murdering Mother in Prestatyn
Tristan Thomas Roberts, an 18-year-old from Prestatyn, has admitted to murdering his mother, Angela Jane Shellis, in a tragic case that has shocked the local community. The guilty plea was entered at Mold Crown Court, where Roberts appeared to face the charge.
Discovery of the Victim
Angela Jane Shellis, aged 45, was found deceased in undergrowth beside a footpath near the Morfa nature reserve in Prestatyn. A member of the public made the grim discovery, leading to a swift police investigation. The inquest opening revealed that Ms Shellis died from a blunt force head injury, highlighting the violent nature of the crime.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the hearing, His Honour Rhys Rowlands presided over the case, adjourning proceedings until a sentencing hearing scheduled for March 25. The judge emphasised that while the mandatory life sentence for murder applies, Roberts' guilty plea will be taken into account in determining the final sentence. A provisional trial date had been set for March 16, but this was rendered unnecessary by the admission of guilt.
Roberts, described as having shoulder-length black hair, wore a blue jumper and dark trousers in the glass-fronted dock. His quick identification as a suspect by North Wales Police led to his arrest at his home address, with charges filed four days later.
Tributes to the Victim
Angela Jane Shellis was remembered as a "lovely" individual who worked as a teaching assistant at Rhyl High School. Following her death, tributes poured in from colleagues and the community, underscoring the loss felt by those who knew her. The case has drawn attention to the devastating impact of such crimes on families and local areas.
As the legal process moves forward, the focus now shifts to the upcoming sentencing, where the court will formally address the consequences of this heartbreaking murder.
