A teenager has been found guilty of murdering a mother-of-three by deliberately driving into her outside a Cardiff club. Kian Bateman, 19, shouted from the dock as the verdict was read, claiming he did not see the victim.
Incident Details
The incident occurred in September last year outside the Home Guard club in Cardiff. Bateman drove his Seat Ibiza Sport into 38-year-old Shelley Davies and her partner David Bratcher following a fight involving Bateman's brother Kai. Videos shown to the jury captured Bateman inhaling laughing gas balloons before the crash.
Injuries and Death
Miss Davies suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to her vertebrae, ribs, arm, and pelvis, along with internal injuries. She was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, where she underwent surgery but later developed complications, infections, and septic shock. She died on October 18 due to multiple organ failure and other severe injuries.
Court Proceedings
Prosecutor Michael Jones KC stated that Bateman intended to kill or cause serious harm. Bateman did not stop after hitting the victims and fled the scene. His car was later found abandoned with nitrous oxide canisters inside. Bateman pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges but guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The jury found him guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Bratcher, but not guilty of attempted murder.
Sentencing and Reactions
Judge Mary Stacey thanked the jury for their service under stressful circumstances. Bateman will be sentenced on July 3. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell expressed condolences to Miss Davies' family and thanked the community and witnesses for their assistance.
