20/11/2009

Dyfed Powys Police has issued a statement about the death of Christine Ann Thomas at Aberporth in July 2008. Her husband, Brian Thomas, who strangled her in his sleep while dreaming that she was an intruder walked free from court last week after the case against him was withdrawn. Here is the statement in full:

The death of Christine Ann Thomas at Aberporth in July 2008 is a tragic case. The unique circumstances presented Dyfed-Powys Police with unusual challenges in the investigation.

DCI Richard Evans said: “Any case involving the death of an individual caused by another always has been and always will be investigated and examined with the utmost vigour by Dyfed-Powys Police. The tragic death of Christine Thomas was no exception.�

“The decision to charge Brian Thomas with murder was taken after very careful consideration of the evidence available at the time, and included seeking the advice of the CPS, Junior and Queen’s Counsel.�

The investigation continued post-charge and utilised the foremost international experts in the field of sleep disorder. The issue placed before the Court was whether the behaviour of Brian Thomas that night amounted to sane or insane automatism.

Public interest demands that following the death of any individual, it is thoroughly investigated and if appropriate the matter should be tested at Court.

Dyfed-Powys Police are satisfied that the Court has heard the facts, and their thoughts remain with the family of Brian and Christine Thomas.