Five people have been sentenced for their roles in connection with the murder of Joanne Penney, a 40-year-old woman who was shot and killed as she answered the door at her home in Talbot Green, South Wales. The sentencing hearing took place at Cardiff Crown Court on July 6, 2026, marking the conclusion of court proceedings for all defendants involved in the case.
Background of the Murder
Joanne Penney died after a bullet penetrated her heart and left lung, lodging itself in the rear of her chest. She was pronounced dead at the property at 10 Llys Illtyd, Talbot Green. Six individuals—Marcus Huntley, Renaldo Baptiste, Joshua Gordon, Jordan Mills-Smith, Melissa Quailey-Dashper, and Kristina Ginova—were previously convicted of her murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Sentences for the Five Defendants
The five defendants sentenced on Monday had no direct involvement in the murder but were linked to the organised crime group (OCG) responsible. Their sentences are as follows:
- Sai Manne, 26, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of an OCG. He worked as a runner for the group and was based in Cardiff to sell drugs. Manne was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment but refused to leave his cell to attend the hearing.
- Callum Kelleher, 37, of Leigh Street, St Helens, Merseyside, was sentenced for participating in OCG activities. He allowed his home in Cardiff to be used by Huntley and Mills-Smith for selling crack cocaine and received a small amount of drugs for his own addiction. Kelleher received a 16-month sentence, suspended for 18 months.
- Molly Cooper, 34, of The Crossway, Leicester, pleaded guilty to participating in OCG activities and was found guilty of acquiring ammunition for a firearm. She worked as a driver for the Rico OCG after falling into debt with Gordon. Her DNA was found on ammunition buried by Huntley in Heritage Park, St Mellons, which was used in Penney's murder. Cooper was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment.
- Laura John, 23, of Gelli Deg, Rhiwbina, Cardiff, was found guilty of assisting an offender. She helped her boyfriend, Mills-Smith, leave Wales by allowing him to stay at her mother's home before his departure. John was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.
- Donna James, 51, of Mostyn Square, Llanishen, Cardiff, was found guilty of assisting an offender. She aided her son, Mills-Smith, by sending her mother's bank card details to Laura John, who used it to purchase coach tickets. James was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.
Impact and Conclusion
The sentencing brings an end to all court proceedings related to the murder of Joanne Penney, with every defendant now sentenced. The case highlights the extensive network of individuals involved in organised crime that led to the tragic killing of an innocent woman.
