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

Christopher Colin Parry, 49, currently of St Cadoc’s Hospital, Caerleon, appeared in Newport Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Caroline Parry and possession of a firearm, a 12-bore shotgun, with the intent to commit murder. During the brief hearing he spoke only to confirm his name.

Ms Parry, 46, died after being shot in an incident 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.

The Argus reported at the time that Parry was found lying next to the body of the mum of two. He had gunshot wounds to his face and due to his medical condition, police were not able to interview him following the incident.

He remained in Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital under police guard while recovering from the injuries. He was then moved elsewhere to continue receiving treatment.

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

Parry was represented by Ross Williams, and the prosecution was represented by Mark Salter.

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 will appear at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday. He remains in the care of the psychiatric services at St Cadoc’s.