An inquest has opened into the death of a young father who was reportedly attacked with a vodka bottle while on a stag do in the Czech Republic. David ‘Dai’ Richards, 31, from Mountain Ash in Rhondda Cynon Taf, died in Prague on September 21, Pontypridd Coroners’ Court heard.
Coroner’s officer Beverley Morgan said: “Mr Richards resided with his partner and children. On September 19, together with friends, he travelled to Prague in the Czech Republic on a stag do. The exact circumstances are unclear at this time. However it is believed that late in the evening an incident occurred in a street where Mr Richards was hit on the head with a bottle.”
The dad-of-three was taken to hospital where he died on September 21. A post-mortem examination by a doctor in Prague gave a provisional cause of death as brain trauma, swelling, and haemorrhaging. Coroner Patricia Morgan said there was reason to suspect the death of Merthyr Tydfil-born Mr Richards was violent or unnatural. She adjourned the inquest for a “full investigation” to take place and offered condolences to Mr Richards’ family.
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We previously reported allegations from Mr Richards’ family that he was hit to the back of the head in a “blind attack” on a city street. He was partner to Jola Simms and father to Aurora, aged four, Bear, two, and one-year-old Vienna. His heartbroken family described him as an “absolutely amazing father, partner, son, brother, and friend” who was the “glue of the family”.
Speaking on behalf of the family Mr Richards’ sister-in-law Tammy Sheehan, cousin Gemma Thomas, and partner Miss Simms said: “It wasn’t a fight like what I think some people are thinking – it was a blind attack. From the attack he actually passed away from blunt force trauma. David was talking to locals in the street when he took a blow to the back of the head.” The family said a French passer-by gave first aid at the scene.
Czech media reported that a 26-year-old man, who was also a tourist but whose nationality has not been disclosed, was arrested outside a hotel following the incident. Police spokesman Jan Daněk said two separate groups of men had been talking when an argument broke out. Mr Daněk told Prague Morning: “One individual struck another in the head with a vodka bottle. The impact was so severe that the victim collapsed immediately and tragically died in the hospital. The 26-year-old man is now facing charges of grievous bodily harm and disorderly conduct. If convicted he could be sentenced to up to 16 years in prison.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office spokesman said at the time: “We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in the Czech Republic.” You can read more tributes to Mr Richards, including from his family and from AFC Abercynon where he played football here.
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