Welsh B&B where woman died in 'cannibal attack' was used to house violent sex offenders

B&B owner says that the convicted criminals were placed there without her being made aware of the risks

Cerys Yemm, right, was killed by Matthew Williams. He later died after being Tasered by police

A number of violent and sexual offenders stayed at the B&B where a woman was murdered in a 'cannibal' attack last year, it has been revealed.

In figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, Caerphilly council has said that it had referred 10 violent and sexual offenders to the B&B in which 22-year old Cerys Yemm died.

The owner of the B&B where the attack took place, Mandy Miles, has told the BBC that she was sent a number of ex-offenders with serious criminal records, including rape and paedophilia, without her or the wider community being informed of the potential risks.

Ms Miles said that she believes the council has put her and the community at risk.

A spokesperson for Caerphilly council told The Independent: “The Council, like all other local authorities across Wales, has a legal duty to provide emergency accommodation to those in priority need.

“Anyone who is statutorily homeless will be provided with an emergency accommodation placement whilst we investigate our housing duties to them. This is done in line with appropriate Housing legislation.”

Ms Yemm was murdered in a the attack at the Sirhowy Arms in November by a recent prison leaver staying at the B&B.

Matthew Williams, a habitual criminal who suffered from schizophrenia, had been placed at the hostel which is used by the council to place single homeless men after being released from prison.

After meeting him on a night out, Ms Yemm accompanied Mr Williams to his hostel room where the attack took place. She was bitten and died from facial injuries after suffering sharp trauma to the face and neck.

Mr Williams died after being Tasered by police attending the scene.

Speaking to press today for the first time since the attack, Ms Yemm’s mother, Paula Yemm, has called for the property to be demolished.

She told the South Wales Evening Post: “So long as it’s there it’s a reminder of what was taken away. If I have to fight to my dying day I will fight for that to be knocked down.”