Tristan Thomas Roberts, 18, from Prestatyn, admitted murdering Angela Jane Shellis, 45, who was found dead in undergrowth beside a footpath near Morfa nature reserve
A teenager has admitted murdering his “lovely” mum who was found dead in undergrowth by a footpath.
Tristan Thomas Roberts appeared at Mold Crown Court today to plead guilty to murdering Angela Jane Shellis. The 18-year-old, of Coniston Drive, Prestatyn, killed Ms Shellis, 45, on October 24 last year. She was found dead in undergrowth beside a footpath near Prestatyn’s Morfa nature reserve by a member of the public.
The judge, His Honour Rhys Rowlands, adjourned the proceedings until a sentencing hearing on March 25. He said: “There can only be one sentence for the offence of murder. The fact you have pleaded guilty will be reflected in the sentence.”
A provisional trial date had previously been set for March 16 this year. The defendant, who has shoulder-length black hair, wore a blue jumper and dark trousers in the glass-fronted dock during the hearing.
An inquest opening previously heard Ms Shellis died from a blunt force head injury, reported North Wales Live.
Following the teenager’s plea, a North Wales Police spokesperson said the defendant had been “quickly identified as a suspect and he was subsequently arrested at his home address” before being charged with murder four days later.
Tributes to Ms Shellis, who worked as a teaching assistant at Rhyl High School, were paid following her tragic death.
Her sister Sarah Gunther said at the time: “She was only 45 years old and such a lovely, happy person and loved by anyone who met her. She had a heart full of love and kindness, always put others before herself. Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.”
Rhyl High’s headteacher Philip Collins described her as “caring and committed”. He said: “Angela was a valued member of staff, who joined the Rhyl High team in 2023 and was a caring and committed teaching assistant.
“We are deeply upset as a school community and hold Angela’s family and friends foremost in our thoughts, as they try to come to terms with their loss.”
Her funeral took place on December 12 last year with the headteacher writing to parents to inform them the school would close for that day so that staff can attend the service.
He stated: “As a mark of respect to Ms. Shellis and her family and to enable as many staff as possible to attend the funeral I have made the decision that I will close the school to pupils on that day. This decision has been supported by the Governing body and by the Local Authority.”
