Legal News

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that a serious further offence review will take place into the case of a man who is suspected of murdering a woman in an act of cannibalism.

Matthew Williams, 34, was found at a hostel in Argoed, Caerphilly in Wales with his victim, Cerys Marie Yemm, 22.

Williams was Tasered by police officers at the scene and later died as a result of his injuries.

Ms Yemm was still alive when found but also died from severe injuries inflicted on her, including horrific facial injuries apparently inflicted by Williams.

BBC News reports that police officers from Gwent Police who attended the scene have been offered counselling because of the nature of the crime they witnessed.

Williams had been released from prison just weeks before the attack on Ms Yemm. It is alleged in some reports that he was high on cocaine when police attended the scene.

Serious offence reviews are held if a further crime is committed within 30 days of an offender completing a prison sentence and being released.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (PCC) is investigating the police’s use of a Taser at the scene.

Williams had been a resident at the Sirhowy Arms hostel – the hostel accommodates vulnerable and homeless people, including ex-offenders who may not always be subject to supervision on release if they are not considered violent and have completed their sentence.

The Ministry of Justice has not commented further on the case of Williams pending the inquiry.

Conservative AM for South Wales East, William Graham, said that a “wider inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his release is urgently required”.

“Questions must be answered by authorities and a full explanation provided on the decisions taken in this extremely tragic case,” said Mr Graham.

Williams’ own family are reported to be in shock at the crime and are “devastated by the death of an innocent young lady".

Ms Yemm worked as a retail assistant and is said to have met Williams through friends. She had previously studied health and social care at college.

A post-mortem is due to be held to establish the cause of death.

Chris Evans, MP for Islwyn, said:

“This was a horrific and senseless crime that must be condemned without reservation.

“However, this is not the time for knee jerk reactions. A full investigation will be conducted by Gwent Police and the IPCC.”

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