“Young John was one of a kind”

The family of the man who was tragically killed on June 28 in Welshpool Town Centre have paid tribute after the 22-year-old accused of his murder appeared in court. 

Young John Mongan from Walsall died during a night out in the town, with the father-of-10 failing to regain consciousness following an incident close to The Cross traffic lights.

Police arrested Martin Slezak, of Stanley Street, Welshpool, just hours after the death and he denied the murder charge last week during a court appearance with a two-week trial expected for November.

And now this morning, the family have paid tribute to a their “father, grandfather, and best friend”.

Issued via Dyfed-Powys Police, they wrote: “In loving memory of our Young John Mongan who went to God’s heavenly kingdom on June 28, 2026 aged 49.

“He was a family man who would do anything for us and would never leave his children or family short of anything. 

“Our lives have changed in a blink of an eye and will never be the same again.  

“To his sons; John, Michael, Christy, Ned, David, Bernie and his daughters; Staceymarie, Charlotte, Megan and Annalise, he was one of a kind, a best friend, idol, and their protector, they are heartbroken and miss him every day.

“To his wife, Margaret, he was everything, and their lives have changed in a blink of an eye. 

"As a grandfather he loved the ground his grandchildren walked on.

“He is also missed by his sons-in-law Michael and Francie and daughters-in-law Christina, Sadie, Nora and Winnie.

“You are back with your two babies Tommy and Francis who you missed dearly and your grandson Tommy Lee.

“His name will live on in all our family, and in the words of his children ‘you will never be forgotten daddy’. YOUNG JOHN MONGAN you were our everything.”

An inquest was opened at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court last month where a provisional cause of death was given as blunt injury to the face and head following a physical altercation.