A father-of-three implanted with allegedly stolen bone matter during an operation could be taking legal action against an American accused of masterminding a body-snatching ring.

The Argus reported how Delwyn Herridge, 39, from Ebbw Vale is one of a number of angry and distressed patients who could be taking action after receiving tissue allegedly stolen from corpses in the United States.

A horrified Mr Herridge had to have tests for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis, which to his relief came back negative.

Yesterday, a New York judge adjourned the case against Michael Mastromarino, the American dentist suspected of controlling the body-snatching ring, until further notice.

The 44-year-old is accused of dismembering hundreds of corpses, forging donor consent forms and selling the parts on for transplant.

Mr Herridge was told by Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust that he received an "unauthorised bone graft" at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff in 2006.

The Trust confirmed it purchased bone tissue from UK firm Plus Orthopaedics, which in turn purchased the material from an American firm - Biomedical Tissue Services.

The legal firm representing Mr Herridge - Irwin and Mitchell - is acting for dozens of British patients in possible action against Mr Mastromarino.

Mr Herridge, from Rassau, had the operation after he had injured his spine when he fell off a ladder.

He said: "We are just waiting on the lawyers' advice - so it's difficult to put this behind us.

"The tests were negative but now I just don't know whether the graft will last or disintegrate, or whether it could develop cancer."

Legal action could result in substantial damages.

Body products were imported to the UK and used in a number of NHS trusts.

Cardiff and Vale NHS has been in contact with 12 people, including Mr Herridge, who have used the products.

The Trust has always maintained there is no increased risk of infection from the tissues "over and above that of any other surgical implant".