Family kicked out of court after four charged with teen’s murder
All four defendants spoke only to confirm their names and addresses while friends and family of the defendants who sat in court were kicked out of the hearing for shouting by Judge Sophie Toms
Tristan Shae Kerr, 17-year-old rugby player who was allegedly murdered in a quiet village
Four people have appeared in court charged with the murder of a Welsh teen. Tristan Shae Kerr, 17, died after being found with stab wounds in a house in the old coal mining village of Abertridwr, Caerphilly borough, on Thursday, February 5.
Ricardo Elliot, 26, whose address was given as HMP Parc, Elexi Manny, 24, of Leigh Social Club, Caerphilly, Georgie Mears, 19, of no fixed abode, and Connor Palfrey, 24, of Aberfawr Terrace, Abertridwr, all appeared in the dock at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, February 9, charged with Mr Kerr’s murder.
All four defendants spoke only to confirm their names and addresses while friends and family of the defendants who sat in court were kicked out of the hearing for shouting.
Judge Sophie Toms told the defendants the matter was too serious to be dealt with by magistrates and would go to Newport Crown Court on Tuesday, February 10. She remanded all four in custody.
Four people have been charged with Mr Kerr’s murder(Image: Rachel Spriggs)
A 28-year-old woman from Hereford, who was arrested on Friday on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation.
Mr Kerr’s grieving family were also present in court. Leaving court on Monday morning, they told our reporter they were too upset to speak.
Mr Kerr’s aunt, Rachel Spriggs, speaking on behalf of the family including his mum Claire Spriggs, has 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.”
Police and scenes of crime officers at Lower Francis Street, Abertridwr on Friday afternoon (Image: John Myers/WalesOnline)
The 17-year-old was the oldest son and grandson in his family who was an “idol” to his younger brother Conan, she said.
A fundraiser has been set up by a close friend of Mr Kerr’s to help towards funeral costs that has already raised over £5,000.
It reads: “He had the most contagious smile and would light up any room he would walk into. I would just really appreciate (it), if anyone can make a donation of any of kind, little or small, to help his mother and family towards the funeral costs through this really difficult time.”
Gwent Police confirmed that officers attended a property in Lower Francis Street at around 5.45pm on Thursday, February 5 where Mr Kerr had sustained a serious injury. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
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