Antigua honeymoon victim dies

Ben Mullany, shot on honeymoon in Antigua, dies

Ben Mullany, the bridegroom who was shot during a two-week stay in Antigua with his new wife, has died in hospital.

The 31-year-old had been in a coma since he was shot in the back of the head a week ago, after a bungled burglary at the couple's holiday apartment. The bullet fractured his skull and was lodged in his brain. Following a scan to determine brainstem activity, which came back negative, his life support machine was switched off.

Mr Mullany's bride, Catherine, a 31-year-old doctor, was killed at the scene of the crime after being shot in the head.

It is now believed a joint funeral will be held for the couple at the church where the pair married a month ago.

Mr Mullany was flown home to Swansea last week by air ambulance in a last bid to save his life. Doctors in Antigua had already delivered their verdict, saying he was brain dead.

A spokesman for Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust said: 'Following brainstem testing Ben Mullany has now passed away. The thoughts of all the staff who were involved in Ben's care are with his family at this very sad time.'

Meanwhile, police in Antigua revealed they had arrested a suspect – an alleged drug dealer who had befriended the newlyweds on their honeymoon.

Clarence James, who goes by the name of Cloud, is one of two people being questioned by police over the double murder.

'James is the person we are most interested in,' revealed Detective Inspector Nuffield Burnette. 'He has tried to give us an alibi for the night of the murder.'

A team of Scotland Yard detectives has visited the resort in Antigua to help local police with their inquiries.

Detective Superintendent Keith Niven commented: 'The forensic side of this is going to be crucial and once we do an examination we'll be in a much better position. We want to get this solved and the sooner the better.'