Court was told on April 2 that the accused has denied any involvement in the fatal attack on a restaurant manager and the removal of doorbell camera footage documenting the incident.

David Rogers, aged 58 and a father of four, was taken to hospital after being assaulted at his home address. He passed away from his injuries two days subsequently.

Before becoming general manager at the Miller and Carter Steakhouse in Thornhill, Cardiff, in 2018, David had accumulated experience working at multiple public houses and eaterias.

Liam Walters, 26, attended court on Wednesday where he faced multiple charges in connection with David’s death. He denied both murder and manslaughter accusations.

The defendant further denied counts of perverting the course of justice concerning allegations that he disposed of a Ring Doorbell device together with its recorded material following the supposed attack.

Walters, who lives in Pencoed, remained in custody at Cardiff Crown Court. His case is listed to commence on August 19.

Previously, detectives made public CCTV footage depicting a jogger who may have been in the vicinity shortly before the assault took place in Pencoed, near Bridgend.

A South Wales Police representative stated that their serious crime investigation team was specifically requesting information from a man seen on film running along Felindre Road in Pencoed just before 1am on February 28, 2026. Officers believed this person was in the immediate area before the incident and could possess vital information. They were asking this individual and anyone else who may recognise him to contact them. They also wanted to hear from anyone who was at the Chatterton Arms between 7:30pm and 11:30pm on February 27, or at Pencoed Rugby Club between 11:40pm on February 27 and 12:30am on February 28.

Those who knew David recollected their experiences after his death.

One person said this tragedy had profoundly shaken everyone, that David transcended the role of colleague and was integral to their everyday routines.

She noted that David was highly respected and beloved by his co-workers.

She added that he radiated warmth, brought joy, and possessed a quiet resilience that lifted everyone around him. She said those were the characteristics they would honour.

Another individual noted that David was instrumental during their formative years, and they would forever treasure the occasions he made them feel at home at his residence.

A third person observed that he was unfailingly kind, witty, and supportive, and that it was hard to comprehend that he was gone.