Teenager Convicted of Murder Following Incident Outside Social Club
A 19-year-old male has been convicted of murder after deliberately driving into a woman, resulting in her death.
Kian Bateman intentionally struck Shelley Davies, 38, and her partner David Bratcher, 40, outside the 4th Glamorgan Homeguard Club in Caerau, Cardiff, on 27 September of the previous year.
Both individuals sustained severe injuries, with Davies succumbing to her injuries in hospital three weeks later.
Court Proceedings and Incident Details
Cardiff Crown Court was informed that Bateman drove the vehicle at the couple following an "altercation" between Bratcher and Bateman's brother, Kai. Additionally, Bateman's aunt, Louise, was struck by the car during the incident.
As Bateman was escorted from the dock, he repeatedly stated,
"I didn't see Shelley, I didn't see her, I didn't see her". Sentencing is scheduled for 3 July.
Injuries Sustained by Shelley Davies
Davies had attended a music event featuring ragga artist and DJ General Levy at the social club with her partner on the night of the incident. She suffered multiple fractures including to her ribs, arm, pelvis, and hip, along with numerous wounds and abrasions.
Subsequently, she experienced complications including multiple infections and septic shock.
Substance Use and Legal Arguments
Bateman admitted to inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, from balloons on the evening in question but denied that the substance induced aggression or negative emotions.
He acknowledged causing Davies's death; however, the trial focused on whether it could be established that he deliberately drove at her or intended to inflict serious injury.
Bateman's Account and Prosecution Evidence
Following his arrest, Bateman informed police that his vehicle had been surrounded by individuals and expressed fear of being assaulted.
He stated that he drove to escape and was unaware of any collisions until notified by his cousin the following morning.
Prosecution Barrister Michael Jones KC presented CCTV footage to jurors demonstrating that the vehicle was not surrounded by people at the time.
The announcement of the verdicts elicited audible gasps from the crowded public gallery.
Verdict and Charges
Bateman, residing in Heol Muston, Ely, was found guilty of the murder of Shelley Davies but acquitted of the attempted murder charge regarding Bratcher. He was, however, convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Earlier testimony revealed that Bateman did not stop or seek assistance after the incident, drove at high speed, and subsequently abandoned the Seat Ibiza vehicle.
The prosecution argued that the actions went beyond dangerous driving, asserting an intent to cause serious injury.
Defense Statement
Bateman's legal counsel contended that he panicked and made a "terrible decision to try to escape," expressing that he regretted "every single moment of every single day and night."
