A former nightclub bouncer has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 35 years for the murder of a pregnant teenager. Carl Whant, 27, from Bettws, Newport, raped and stabbed 19-year-old Nikitta Grender at her home in February 2011, also killing her unborn daughter, Kelsey-May.
Whant set fire to Ms Grender's flat in Broadmead Park, Lliswerry, before returning to a party where he had been with her boyfriend, Ryan Mayes. He was convicted of murder, rape, child destruction and arson at Newport Crown Court.
Sentencing, Judge Mr Justice Griffith Williams said Whant left the party because he 'fancied Nikitta and wanted to have sex with her'. The judge stated that Whant went armed with a knife, prepared to rape her, and likely gained entry because she believed her boyfriend was with him. The judge described Whant as a 'calculating, vain and devious' individual.
Detective Chief Superintendent Geoff Ronayne said the 35-year sentence was the longest he could recall in his 30-year career with Gwent Police. He noted that Whant had never admitted guilt or provided any explanation for his crimes.
In a statement read outside court, Ms Grender's uncle, Michael Brunnock, said the family remained in 'total disbelief' and described seeing the baby in a mortuary as 'the most heartbreaking thing'. He added: 'Nikitta was so special and will remain in our hearts until we die.'
