Teenager Admits Murdering Mother in Prestatyn Nature Reserve Tragedy
A teenage boy has confessed in court to the brutal murder of his own mother, whose body was discovered dumped near a popular nature reserve footpath in North Wales. Appearing before Mold Crown Court on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Tristan Thomas Roberts, aged 18, of Coniston Drive in Prestatyn, admitted to killing Angela Jane Shellis on October 24 last year.
Discovery of the Body and Investigation Details
The tragic discovery was made by a member of the public who found Angela Shellis' body concealed in undergrowth beside a footpath adjacent to the Morfa nature reserve in Prestatyn. An initial inquest hearing revealed that the 45-year-old teaching assistant died from a blunt force head injury, highlighting the violent nature of the crime.
Following the grim find, North Wales Police swiftly launched an investigation. A spokesperson confirmed that the defendant was quickly identified as a suspect and was subsequently arrested at his home address. He was charged with murder just four days later, demonstrating the efficiency of the police response in this harrowing case.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing Expectations
During the court hearing, the defendant, who has shoulder-length black hair, appeared in the glass-fronted dock wearing a blue jumper and dark trousers. His Honour Rhys Rowlands, the presiding judge, adjourned the proceedings after the guilty plea was entered, scheduling a sentencing hearing for March 25.
Judge Rowlands emphasised the gravity of the offence, stating, "There can only be one sentence for the offence of murder. The fact you have pleaded guilty will be reflected in the sentence." This indicates that while a life sentence is mandatory, the early admission may influence the minimum term served. A provisional trial date had previously been set for March 16, but this is now unnecessary due to the confession.
Heartfelt Tributes to a Beloved Teaching Assistant
Angela Shellis was a dedicated teaching assistant at Rhyl High School, having joined the staff in 2023. In the wake of her tragic death, tributes have poured in from family, friends, and colleagues, painting a picture of a much-loved individual.
Her sister, Sarah Gunther, expressed the family's profound grief, saying, "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."
Philip Collins, the headteacher at Rhyl High School, also paid tribute, describing Angela as "caring and committed." He added, "Angela was a valued member of staff... 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."
This case has sent shockwaves through the local community, underscoring the tragic and senseless nature of the crime. As the legal process moves towards sentencing, the focus remains on the profound loss experienced by those who knew Angela Shellis and the ongoing impact on the Prestatyn area.
