A NEWPORT man appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of his estranged wife.

Christopher Colin Parry, 49, currently of St Cadoc’s Hospital, Caerleon, appeared in Cardiff Crown Court charged with the murder of Caroline Parry and possession of a firearm, a 12-bore shotgun, with the intent to commit murder.

Parry appeared in court wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

He walked slowly into the dock using a crutch, and was accompanied by two people and a security guard.

He did not speak during the brief preliminary hearing.

Ms Parry, 46, died after being shot in Seabreeze Avenue, in Newport, on August 8. An inquest heard she died from a shot in the back following the incident at around 8.35am.

Parry was allegedly found lying next to the body of the mum of two. He had wounds to his face and due to his medical condition, police were not able to interview him immediately after the incident.

He remained in Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital under police guard while recovering from the injuries until October 2.

He was then moved to St Cadoc’s under section 48 of the Mental Health Act.

Mr and Mrs Parry, who had been married for 27 years and lived together in Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, before they split up, had two children.

On November 5, Gwent Police announced a 49-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of Ms Parry’s murder and was being questioned. They said today he had been charged and would appear in front of Newport magistrates.

Ms Parry’s funeral was held on September 3 at St Stephen’s Church in Adeline Street, Newport.

Following the incident in the summer, flowers and tributes were left on the corner of Seabreeze Avenue and Willenhall Street.

The case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who will investigate Gwent Police’s contact with the estranged couple as they had been known to officers.

Parry’s case will next be heard for mention on December 20 at Cardiff Crown Court. He remains in the care of the psychiatric services at St Cadoc’s.