A provisional trial date has been set for a 14-year-old boy accused of murdering a girl believed to be Lilly Jones. The teenager appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, June 29, for a preliminary hearing before Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke.
Background of the Case
Lilly Jones, 14, had been missing since Saturday, June 20, before a body was found on Monday, June 22, at around 10:10 pm in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina. Police stated that while formal identification has not yet taken place, Lilly's family have been informed and are being supported.
The defendant, a white British boy from the Blaenau Gwent area, was arrested on Tuesday, June 23, on suspicion of murder. He cannot be named due to his age. He previously appeared at Newport Magistrates' Court on Friday, June 26.
Court Proceedings
During the preliminary hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, a date was set for the plea trial and preparation hearing, which will take place on July 24. The defendant has not yet entered a plea. A provisional trial date, with a four-week time estimate, has been set for November 23. Judge Lloyd-Clarke remanded the teenager in custody in youth detention accommodation.
Community Tributes
Nearly £20,000 has been raised in memory of Lilly Jones within a week of the body being found. The community has held a jumble sale, set up a JustGiving fundraiser, and organized a football festival to honor the “kind, bubbly” teen. Heartfelt tributes and flowers have been left at the cordon near Duffryn Park, describing Lilly as “a beautiful girl” and “an amazing friend.”
The head teacher of Brynmawr Foundation School, which Lilly attended, said her loss will be felt “profoundly” by all who knew her, describing her as a “valued member of the school community.”
Police Statement
Prior to the hearing, a Gwent Police spokesperson said: “Gwent Police has charged a 14-year-old boy with murder as part of our investigation in Blaenau Gwent. The teenager from the Blaenau Gwent area, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in police custody to appear before Newport Magistrates Court on Friday 26 June. While formal identification has yet to take place, the body is believed to be Lilly, a 14-year-old girl who was reported as missing. We are releasing Lilly's name at this point, with her family's knowledge, because it will form part of the court proceedings and be a matter of public record.”
