The family of a Powys man killed in a Christmas Eve murder in Cardiff have described his killer as an "evil, manipulative liar".
A jury today found Dylan Thomas guilty of murdering Will Bush, a keen golfer who represented the county, at the flat the former Brecon school mates shared in Llandaff in the capital last year.
And speaking outside court Will's sister Catrin Bush said her family was "relieved" to hear the verdict handed down, and thanked the police, CPS, and legal representatives "for all their work and support over the last 11 months".
She added: "My family have been completely devastated by the brutal and senseless murder of our much loved Will, words cannot describe the the impact this has had on our family.
"However, it is not just us who have lost a son and a brother, Will’s girlfriend, friends and extended family have also lost someone who they loved very much.
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“Will was innocently getting ready to return back to Brecon to spend Christmas with us all when the attack took place, and instead of Will arriving at our door for dinner on Christmas Eve, it was Dyfed Powys Police to deliver the beyond devastating news.
“We cannot even begin to comprehend the fear and suffering that Will endured on Christmas Eve last year, we will have to live with the hurt, grief, anger and upset for the rest of our lives. Dylan Thomas is an evil, manipulative liar.
“Throughout this process, we have seen no evidence of any remorse or taken responsibility for his actions that day.
“We can only hope that he will never be released back into the community.”
South Wales Police said Mr Bush had "a bright future ahead of him".
Speaking outside Cardiff Crown Court, Detective Inspector Rebecca Merchant, senior investigating officer in the case, said: “William Bush was a much-loved son, brother and boyfriend with a bright future ahead of him, which included moving in with his girlfriend and starting a new job.
“On December 24 2023, as he looked forward to spending Christmas with his family and girlfriend, he was killed by someone he regarded as his friend, having done nothing to warrant the brutal violence inflicted upon him.
“Our thoughts today, as they have been throughout the investigation, are with William, his family and girlfriend.”
She paid tribute to the professionalism of the police officers and emergency services who tried their best to help Mr Bush.
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