THE mother and daughter of a Newport murderer, who tampered with clothing and intimated witnesses to change their statements, have avoided an immediate prison sentence.

Catherine Coslett, 64, of Valley View Road, Cwmtillery, and Layla Wallis, 20, of Trevithick Close, Newport pleaded guilty to perverting the course of public justice and appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday.

The pair aided Richard Wallis, 43, of Keene Street, who was jailed for life after kicking Jan Jedrzejewski in the head, by burning and washing items of his clothing.

The court heard that Coslett was facing two counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, while Layla Wallis appeared on a single charge.

Prosecuting, William Hughes QC told the court that Richard Wallis’s phone calls were monitored from Newport police station, and one of the number matched with his daughter’s telephone.

“Her mobile phone was checked and the number corresponded,” said Mr Hughes QC.

He read extracts from recorded telephone calls made by Richard Wallis from Newport police station which proved the pair’s role and co-operation.

“Just get rid of the clothes and burn them – I will buy new when released,” said Mr Hughes QC, reciting the message relayed by Richard Wallis.

“Get rid of all my shoes. I’ll buy new when I get out.”

In response, Richard Wallis received a response of “That’s dealt with” from his daughter, the court heard.

The prosecuting counsel added that the 43-year-old was “aware about cross-contamination”.

He added that Coslett was instructed to make contact with Louise Fielding and Arturas Stankevicius, so they could alter their statement to provide him with an alibi.

Defending Layla Wallis, Jenny Yeo told the court that she and other members of her family had been manipulated by her father.

“She had written a letter to him saying that she was panicking,” said Ms Yeo.

“If she didn’t help him, she would feel responsible for his conviction.”

She added that Layla Wallis feels as though she has been “ostracised” since her father’s conviction, but her main concern is the future of her two daughters.

“She wants a second opportunity to bring her children in a family environment,” said Ms Yeo.

Defending Coslett, David Aubrey QC told the court that she acted out of concern for her son.

“She felt the nature ties and feelings of a mother towards her son,” said Mr Aubrey QC.

“She does recognise that it is quite likely that she will not see her son outside custody again.”

He added that Coslett was suffering the effects of emphysema and osteoporosis and would be made homeless if convicted for a custodial term.

Concluding, the Honourable Sir John Griffith Williams KT said that despite the pair’s attempted to aid Richard Wallis, justice had prevailed as he was serving a life sentence.

Coslett received an 18 month sentence suspended for two years while her granddaughter was handed down an eight month sentence suspended for the same time period.

A victim surcharge of £140 will apply to both defendants.