Teachers' tributes to accused

Dickson Ho has been described as "respectful"

A teenager who denies murdering his lover's estranged husband wept in court as his headmaster paid tribute to his "good nature".

A jury at Cardiff Crown Court heard from 18-year-old Dickson Ho's headmaster who described him as a "polite and pleasant pupil."

The teenager is accused of kicking Gethin Owen, 47, to death outside his former marital home.

Mr Ho, of Cae Sir Dafydd, Canton, denies murder and the trial continues.

Mr Owen died in hospital eight days after the alleged attack from a stroke and heart attack caused by multiple rib fractures.

The court has been told Mr Ho started a relationship with Mr Owen's wife Tracey, 35, three weeks after their marriage collapsed.

It has also heard from Mr Ho's headmaster Reverend Chris Hollowood, who said: "He (Mr Ho) was not a trouble-maker, there is no record of him being disrespectful at school.

Testimonials

"He was a polite and pleasant pupil with a good nature and from a strong Christian background going back some five generations."

A string of testimonials from other teachers were read to the jury.

Mr Ho's boss also wrote to the court saying his job as an apprentice electrician is being kept open for him.

The court has heard Mr Ho was just 17 when he started going out with mother-of-three Tracey Owen last July.

The court has heard Mr and Mrs Owen had been separated following an incident of domestic violence. Mr Owen was convicted of actual bodily harm against his wife and sentenced to a two-year supervision order.

Mr Ho is accused of putting former RAF airman Mr Owen in a bear-hug when he called around to see his wife at their home in St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan.

The jury has heard there was an altercation which resulted in Mr Owen being injured.

The trial continues.