Inquest opens on ex-lovers

The inquest was opened on Monday

The bodies of former lovers found in a burning car were identified using dental records, an inquest has been told.

Julian Ronald Maggs, 34, of Abertillery, south Wales, was found in the driver's seat and Annette Poulsom, 47, of nearby Blaina, was discovered in the boot.

The inquest was opened on Monday by Gwent coroner David Bowen.

Firefighters called to the blaze in Beaufort, near Ebbw Vale, on October 10 found the bodies after putting out the fire, Mr Bowen was told.

The inquest heard that police inquiries were continuing and while there was no clear cause of death at this stage, further tests were being carried out by a pathologist.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed to allow police investigations to be concluded and the bodies of Ms Poulsom and Mr Maggs were released.

Last week Gwent Police said they were treating the incident, which happened at a reservoir, as murder.

But Detective Chief Inspector Andy Williams said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

He said that Ms Poulsom, known as Nettie, and Mr Maggs had been partners and had lived together for about seven years before splitting up in May.

Three days after the deaths, Mr Maggs' family paid tribute to him in a statement, which said: "The family of Julian Maggs are absolutely devastated by this absolute tragedy totally out of the blue.

"All those that know the family concerned have been so supportive and we would like to express our profound thanks."

Last week Ms Poulsom's sister, Pauline Tredrea, said the couple had maintained an "amicable" relationship after the break-up.

She said Mr Maggs would often call around to her to her sister's home in Coronation Street, Blaina.

She said her sister's two daughters, Haley and Helen, had been devastated by her death.