A “devoted” husband stands accused of Britain’s first self-isolating murder after his wife was found dead at their home.

Retired engineer Anthony Williams, 69, appeared in court charged with killing wife Ruth, 67, at their semi where they had been self isolating after nearly 44 years wed.

Grandmother and retired shopworker Ruth was taken to hospital with head and neck injuries but was later pronounced dead.

Caring Ruth had offered to help neighbours during the lockdown - but the pair decided to then self-isolate because of their age.

Neighbours said the couple had lived in their neat £170,000 semi-detached home for around 20 years.

A husband has been accused of Britain's first self-isolating murder. Credit: WALES NEWS SERVICE/Australscope

Retired Williams appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court for a two-minute hearing in which he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He was represented by Ben Williams who did not apply for bail.

Prosecutor Mike Powell asked from Williams to be remanded in custody while police investigate the circumstances.

Williams was remanded in custody by Judge Stephen Harmes and is due to appear before Cardiff Crown Court tomorrow.

The couple have one daughter Emma, 40, who was described as “shocked and heartbroken.”

One neighbour said: “Ruth knows I live on my own and she even gave me her telephone number if I needed help.

“That’s the sort of person she was - always really nice and chatty.

“Tony had worked in engineering but went part-time before retiring. Ruth worked as Asda before she retired a couple of years ago.

“But they kept themselves to themselves, especially now and Tony was quieter. But they seemed devoted.

Pictured here is the couple’s home. Credit: WALES NEWS SERVICE/Australscope

“The police came to knock on my door to ask where I had been on the day. But I was inside like everyone else, of course. It has been very busy here with police ever since - that is worrying in itself at this time to see so many people around.”

One neighbour believed Ruth had suffered her injuries several hours before a 999 call from the house at dawn on Saturday.

The neighbour on the close-knit estate said: “This is such a shock. They had lived here for a long time.

Chevron Right Icon ‘A real tragedy’

“I hadn’t seen them for a while but everybody around here seems to be in isolation.

“Police have been here all over the weekend carrying out searches at the home. It’s a real tragedy.”

Local councillor Ron Burnett said: “It’s a huge shock to everybody. We just can’t get our heads around it.

“I know them personally and so I find it all very upsetting - I don’t want to talk about it but my condolences go out to the family.

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“They were a well known family. Ruth worked in Asda for many, many years and I’m sure this will come as a big shock to everybody.”

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said: “Gwent Police received a call to an address in Brynglas, Cwmbran at around 6.50am on Saturday 28 March.

“67-year-old Ruth Williams was found unconscious and unresponsive at the premises. She was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport where she sadly died.

“A 69-year-old man was arrested, he’s since been charged with murder.”