James Hartson, the older brother of former Premier League striker John Hartson, has died suddenly at the age of 53. His body was found at a property in Swansea on Thursday, with police responding to welfare concerns.
James Hartson was a prominent barrister in Wales. His death is not being treated as suspicious, according to South Wales Police. Formal identification has yet to take place, but his family and the coroner have been informed.
In a sign of respect, proceedings at Swansea Crown Court were suspended. Judge Geraint Walters, who adjourned a murder trial, told the jury there had been an 'unexplained and sudden death' of a member of the Bar which had 'shaken' the court.
Before becoming a barrister, James Hartson spent 20 years in the police in London and Cardiff, serving in Special Branch and as a detective at New Scotland Yard. His brother John played for Arsenal, West Ham, and Celtic, and earned 51 caps for Wales.
The Hartson family has faced previous tragedy. John's eldest sister, Hayley, passed away in 2020. Paying tribute, John wrote: 'It is with great sadness today we put our Beloved Hayley to rest. We are totally devastated.. she will be sorely missed. There are no words. RIP Big sister.'
