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. The defendant, who cannot be named due to his age, had previously appeared at Newport Magistrates' Court on Friday, June 26.
Court Proceedings and Trial Timeline
During the hearing, a date was set for the defendant's plea trial and preparation hearing, which will take place on July 24. He has not yet entered a plea. A provisional trial date, with a four-week time estimate, has been scheduled for November 23. Judge Lloyd-Clarke remanded the teenager in custody in youth detention accommodation.
Discovery of Body and Arrest
The body was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina at around 10.10pm on Monday, June 22. Police stated that although no formal identification has taken place, Lilly's family have been informed and are being supported. On Tuesday, June 23, a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. A Gwent Police spokesperson confirmed: "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."
Community Response and Tributes
Nearly £20,000 has been raised in memory of 14-year-old Lilly Jones in the week since the body was found. Community members and organisations have held a jumble sale, set up a JustGiving fundraiser, and organised a football festival to mourn the loss of 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, adding that she was a "valued member of the school community."
