Steven John Price was born on January 11, 1974.

A pupil at Pontnewydd Primary and at Croesyceiliog Comprehensive Schools, he gained several O-Levels.

After leaving school at 16 he took up a machinist's apprenticeship at an engineering factory in Cwmbran.

During the next few years he gained an HNC in engineering and worked at several factories in Torfaen and Newport.

The loss of his job as a machinist for a Blaenavon firm and an acrimonious break-up with his girlfriend in 2003 sent Price on a downward spiral.

Around the same time, he developed the behaviour of a paranoid schizophrenic.

Police say he began telling his parents about contracts out on his life.

Price repeatedly referred to "the bald man" who was out to get him.

He never gave this man a name, but detectives believe it was Martin Connop.

Price claimed he was often followed as he walked along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal path at Pontnewydd to his parents' home.

After he became convinced he witnessed a murder when he was eight years old and the body was buried at his home, his father ripped up the floorboards of the property to show there was no body and encouraged Price to see a doctor.

Single man Price had his own house in Ty Pwca Road, Pontnewydd, and his parents still live in the village.