The trial of three men and a woman accused of murdering a 17-year-old has begun at Newport Crown Court. Ricardo Elliot, Elexi Manny, Georgie Mears, and Connor Palfrey are all charged with the murder of Tristan Shae Kerr.
All four defendants previously pleaded not guilty to murder at a plea and trial preparation hearing. Mr Kerr died after being found with stab wounds at a house in the old mining village of Abertridwr, Caerphilly, on Thursday, February 5.
Defendants enter not guilty pleas
Elliot, 26, whose address was given as HMP Parc, Manny, 24, of no fixed abode, Mears, 19, of Cavendish Close, Thornhill, Cardiff, and Palfrey, 24, of Aberfawr Terrace, Abertridwr, formally entered not guilty pleas to Mr Kerr's murder.
The trial is expected to last between four and six weeks. Prosecutor Michael Jones KC began his opening of the case as Mrs Justice Stacey entered the courtroom, followed by members of the jury, who were sworn in the previous day.
Family tribute to Tristan
In a tribute released at the time of his death, Mr Kerr's aunt, Rachel Spriggs, speaking on behalf of the family including his mum Claire Spriggs, said: "A deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend — a well-known and cherished character within his community.
"Tristan was handsome and quick-witted with a passion for motorbikes and adventure. He had a spark about him that drew people in and an energy that filled every room he entered. He was truly his mother’s son: strong, brave, and full of warmth with a heart that cared deeply for those he loved."
The 17-year-old was the oldest son and grandson in his family and was an "idol" to his younger brother Conan, Rachel Spriggs said. A fundraiser set up by a close friend of Mr Kerr's to help towards funeral costs raised more than £5,000.
All four defendants are in the dock, with the public gallery full of people from Tristan Kerr’s family. The courtroom is also full of barristers taking part in the trial.
