Widow's relief as killer jailed

Maria Powell travelled to France for the trial

The widow of a Cardiff grandfather who was stabbed through the heart on a French train station has spoken of her relief, after a Moroccan man was jailed for his murder.

On Tuesday, Elias Laguedani, 20, was sentenced to 30 years for killing mechanic Aaron Powell, 56, in an unprovoked attack in April 2002.

After sitting through the trial in Orleans, France, Mr Powell's widow Maria returned to Cardiff on Wednesday.

Speaking to BBC Wales, she said justice had been done.

"I am relieved it is all over now - he [Laguedani] had what he deserved," she said.

"Nothing can bring Aaron back."

After the sentence, she said she would try to get on with her life as best she could.

My husband's name is cleared - he [Laguedani] was saying that Aaron attacked him first, which I knew Aaron wouldn't do Maria Powell

"I know that's what Aaron would want - he'd want me to be there for my family, and not let it pull me down," she said.

"I have got to be strong for them."

Mrs Powell said that, although Laguedani would not suffer like her family had suffered, his life had been ruined.

She explained that the ordeal of being in court was something she would never want to do again.

"I was just felt numb all the time I was in there - it was so hard for everyone," she said.

The family held hands and cried together for around 20 minutes after the verdict and sentence were announced.

Maria Powell (centre) travelled to France for the trial

Mrs Powell added that the family missed Mr Powell hugely.

"My youngest son can't even talk to me about it - he doesn't mention his name to me."

It is understood Laguedani is going to appeal against the sentence, but Mrs Powell said it did not make any difference to her.

"My husband's name is cleared - he [Laguedani] was saying that Aaron attacked him first, which I knew Aaron wouldn't do."

When he was attacked, Mr Powell was travelling to Spain soon after the trial of a motorist who had killed his daughter Mandy in a hit-and-run accident in the Welsh capital 18 months before.

He died from a single stab wound to the heart.