Woman found dead had neck injuries, court told

Paramedics discovered Victoria Thomas

A woman found dead at a house appeared to have neck injuries, an inquest opening has heard.

Victoria Thomas, 45, was found dead at a house on Caerphilly Road, Cardiff, in the early hours of 20 August.

Alcwyn Thomas, 44, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on 23 August charged with the murder of Ms Thomas, but did not enter a plea.

Coroner's officer Keely Mason told the inquest opening in Pontypridd officers had received a report a woman had allegedly been assaulted at the property at about 00:30 BST.

Paramedics tried to treat Ms Thomas, who appeared to have "injuries to her neck".

Meanwhile, police found Ms Thomas' partner upstairs in the house.

A provisional cause of death was given as "1A pressure on neck" after a post-mortem examination on 21 August.

Ms Thomas’ family described her as a "much-loved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, niece and friend".

Adjourning the full inquest, assistant coroner Rachel Knight said: "Based upon the evidence I am satisfied to open an inquest as I have reason to suspect her death is unnatural."

A date will be set after "further criminal investigation".