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Inquest opens into vicar's death Vicar died of chest stab wounds
(about 5 hours later)
An inquest is due to open later into the death of a vicar who was killed near his south Wales' church. A priest, who was found dead in the grounds of his vicarage, died of multiple stab wounds, an inquest has been told.
Father Paul Bennett, 59, was found in the grounds of his vicarage at St Fagan's Church in Trecynon, near Aberdare, on 14 March. Father Paul Bennett, 59, of St Fagan's Church, in Trecynon, near Aberdare, died at his home on March 14.
A detective is due briefly to give evidence to the inquest at Pontypridd. Coroner Philip Walters adjourned the hearing, enabling his funeral to take place next Tuesday.
Geraint David Evans, 23, of Trecynon, has been charged with murder and is due to next appear at Cardiff Crown Court on 1 June. Geraint David Evans, 23, of Trecynon, was charged with murder. He will appear before Cardiff Crown Court on 1 June.
The inquest will be opened by Philip Walters, coroner for Bridgend and the Glamorgan Valleys, and will hear evidence from a senior detective from the major crime squad. Det Insp Richard Jones told Pontypridd Coroner's Court that police received a call at 1448 GMT on 14 March to say that the male occupant of the vicarage was being attacked outside by a man with a knife.
The coroner is then expected to adjourn the hearing while police investigations continue. Mr Jones of South Wales Police said: "Police officers arrived a short time later and found the body of a male in the grounds of the vicarage.
The formal opening of the inquest will allow Father Bennett's family to start arrangements for his funeral. "It was apparent that he had been stabbed and paramedics who arrived shortly afterwards pronounced life extinct at the scene."
Dr Rick James, a Home Office pathologist, concluded after a post mortem examination that Father Bennett died from multiple stab wounds, and the cause of death was stab wounds to the chest.
Coroner Philip Walters, who adjourned the inquest, said: "The body can be released to the family for the funeral to take place."