THE family of a murdered Trinant father says his killer has shown “no remorse” for what he has done, they have said in a statement.

Paul Mapps had denied murdering his friend and dad Ian Davies, 27, in January, claiming he had stabbed him with a kitchen knife in self-defence.

But a jury of six men and six women at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday found Mapps guilty of murder with a 10-2 majority.

The verdict was greeted with gasps of joy from the victim’s family in the public gallery.

A statement was then read out in court by prosecution barrister Paul Lewis QC, on behalf of Mr Davies’ family.

It said the victim’s son, six-year-old Caine Davies, had been receiving professional support to help deal with his father’s death.

It also said Mr Davies’ mother suffered a stress-related aneurism a month following her son’s death, meaning she was unable to attend his funeral.

It said: “Ian was a proud and doting father to Caine, (who) is unable to understand why he is not able to see or speak to his dad.

“At the age of six, Caine has had to learn the meaning of death.

“Paul Mapps has not only taken the life of a young man, but the innocence of a six-year-old boy, who now knows what murder means.

“Each day brings new challenges and it’s not getting any easier.

“None of us will be the same again.

“These effects were caused by Paul Mapps and his violent actions. Paul Mapps has shown no remorse – maybe he doesn’t care.”

Gwent Police were called to reports of an incident on Marshfield Road at around 7.30pm on Saturday, January 11.

Mr Davies suffered a fatal stab wound to his abdomen and was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital where he later died the same night.

Mapps, now 27, of Marshfield Road, claimed he was protecting himself after Mr Davies came towards him with a bottle of vodka at a party at his house, where the defendant claimed he was not welcomed.

Peter Griffiths QC, defending, said Mapps was already holding a kitchen knife, which he claimed he was using to cut a corned beef pie, when Mr Davies allegedly charged at him wielding a vodka bottle.

But Mr Lewis QC told the jury that some evidence given by Mapps was “fictional”, adding the defendant was a “devious liar”.

He had previously questioned whether Mapps was actually scared of Mr Davies, as the defendant claimed, despite him being a black belt in karate.

Mapps had been celebrating his sister Dawn Mapps’ 30th birthday on both January 10 and January 11, and was on a cocktail of ketamine, Valium, cocaine, mephedrone and alcohol when he stabbed Mr Davies.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Williams of Gwent Police said after the verdict the force was “pleased” with the verdict, adding: “Our thoughts remain with Ian Davies’ family who have been present throughout the trial and have listened to some particularly upsetting details about his death. Throughout this case they have remained dignified and I would like to acknowledge their bravery.

“Since Ian’s death Paul Mapps has sought to absolve himself of any responsibility by first claiming someone else was responsible, and when this was disproved, claiming he was acting in self-defence.

“His attempts to deceive the court have failed and I hope the verdict brings the family some closure.”

Mapps will be sentenced on Wednesday, August 6.

He is facing a mandatory life sentence.

The tariff he will serve before being eligible for parole will be decided at the time of sentencing.