Kian Bateman, 19, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, July 3, for the murder of 38-year-old Shelley Davies, a mother of three. Bateman deliberately drove his Seat Ibiza Sport into Ms Davies and her partner David Bratcher outside the 4th Glamorgan Homeguard Club in Caerau on September 27 last year. The incident occurred after Mr Bratcher had been involved in a fight with Bateman's brother.
Details of the Incident
Bateman was captured on video inhaling laughing gas minutes before the attack. The following morning, numerous laughing gas canisters were found strewn across the floor near the scene as forensics teams worked behind a large police cordon. Bateman's car was later discovered abandoned with nitrous oxide canisters on the passenger seat.
Ms Davies, a music lover with a passion for reiki, had attended a music event by ragga artist and DJ General Levy at the social club on the night she died. She suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to her vertebrae, ribs, arm, and pelvis, along with internal injuries. Surgeons attempted to reconstruct her pelvis, but she suffered complications, contracted multiple infections, and went into septic shock before dying on October 18.
Trial and Verdict
Following a two-week trial in April, a jury found Bateman guilty of murder. As he was led from the dock, he shouted, "I didn't see her, I didn't see Shelley." The trial heard that Bateman drove at the couple after Mr Bratcher had an altercation with Bateman's brother, Kai. Bateman's aunt Louise was also hit by the car.
Bateman accepted causing Ms Davies' death but denied deliberately driving at her or intending to cause serious injury. He told police his car was surrounded by people and that he was "frightened," but prosecutor Michael Jones KC noted that CCTV footage showed the car was not surrounded. Bateman, from Heol Muston in Ely, was found guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but cleared of attempted murder of Mr Bratcher.
Sentencing Hearing
At the sentencing hearing, Mrs Justice Stacey presided. Prosecutor Michael Jones KC reminded the court of Bateman's convictions for murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Bateman also pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving of Mr Bratcher.
The public gallery was packed with people, including members of counsel and the press. Bateman entered the courtroom wearing a black suit, white shirt, and black tie. Mrs Justice Stacey sentenced Bateman to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
