Son Jailed for Brutal Murder of Mother in Pembroke Dock
Dale Morgan, 43, from Honeyborough Green, Neyland, has been handed a minimum 21-and-a-half-year sentence at Swansea Crown Court for murdering his mother, Judith Rhead.
Grim Scene Found in Pembroke Dock Home
Judith’s body was discovered at her Market Street home in Pembroke Dock on February 20, 2021. She was found with a plastic bag over her head and had suffered 14 hammer blows to the head. Police officers from Dyfed-Powys Police found the murder weapon beside her.
Shocking Betrayal: Son Tried to Hide the Crime
Morgan was arrested the same day and has been in custody since. He pleaded guilty to murder on August 31. Disturbingly, he continued to live in his mother’s flat, walked her dog, and lied to her friends about her whereabouts, trying to cover up the crime.
“Judith Rhead was the victim of a horrific attack,” said Detective Superintendent Jayne Butler. “The fact it was at the hands of her own son and done in her own home adds to the cruelty and horror.”
Investigation and Aftermath
Judith was last seen alive on December 11, 2020, believed murdered before Christmas, with unopened gifts still in the house. Morgan did not cooperate in police interviews but once said, “to be honest, it’s a relief that things are kind of out of my hands now.”
Police uncovered Morgan was using Judith’s bank account and that she suspected he was taking her prescription drugs.
“I would like to thank Judith’s family and friends for their honesty, patience and dignity throughout,” added DS Butler. “We hope this sentence offers some closure for them to grieve.”
