Teenager Bled to Death After Being Stabbed Through Heart and Lung, Court Told

A 17-year-old boy bled to death in the street after being stabbed through the heart and lung with a 13.5cm (5.3in) zombie knife, a court has heard.

Tristan Kerr was fatally injured during an alleged attack at a house in Lower Francis Street, Abertridwr, Caerphilly, in February.

Four people are on trial at Newport Crown Court in connection with his death.

Georgie Mears, 19, from Thornhill, Cardiff, is accused of carrying out the fatal stabbing.

Connor Palfrey, 24, from Abertridwr, Ricardo Elliot, 27, of no fixed address, and Elexi Manny, 24, from Senghenydd, are also accused of murder under the principle of joint enterprise.

All four deny murder.

Tristan collapsed in a friend's arms

The court heard that Kerr had been at a friend's house to play the computer game Fortnite and smoke cannabis with others.

Prosecutors allege that Mears entered the property armed with a large knife.

Witnesses described the weapon as around 10 inches long, slightly curved and with holes in the blade. It was said to be purple and silver in colour.

The prosecution alleges that Mears greeted those inside before repeatedly asking, "what you want?" while brandishing the knife.

Palfrey is alleged to have followed him into the house carrying a wooden stick.

The court heard that one witness believed the stick may have had a nail in it.

Attack lasted less than two minutes

Michael Jones KC, prosecuting, told the jury that the fatal attack lasted less than two minutes.

The prosecution said witness Connor Davies saw Mears stabbing and swinging at Kerr as the teenager tried to push him away.

The court heard that Kerr's friends were prevented from intervening.

Palfrey is alleged to have told people in the room to stay away and "let them have it out".

The prosecution also alleges that Elliot remained in the hallway acting as a lookout.

Mr Jones told the jury that Kerr was fatally stabbed during the confrontation.

Kerr subsequently collapsed in the arms of a friend and was heard saying: "I'm hurting - my side. I love you, bro. You're a good 'un you are."

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination later identified a 13.5cm stab wound.

Prosecution alleges joint responsibility

The prosecution says that although the fatal blow was allegedly delivered by Mears, all four defendants bear responsibility for Kerr's death.

Mr Jones told the jury that Palfrey appeared to be acting as the "foreman" during the incident by preventing others from intervening.

The court also heard that Palfrey had switched off his phone around 40 minutes before the alleged attack.

Manny is accused of driving the group in her Volkswagen Polo around locations in Cardiff and Caerphilly before and after the incident.

The prosecution alleges she knew two of her passengers were armed before they entered the property and subsequently acted as the getaway driver.

Drug dealing allegations heard by jury

The court was also told about text messages between Palfrey and Elliot.

Prosecutors said the messages indicated that the pair were involved in dealing drugs, including cocaine, ketamine and cannabis.

The messages also allegedly discussed the collection of drug debts, which were referred to as "straps".

The prosecution said the motive for the alleged attack remained unclear.

The drug-related evidence forms part of the wider case being presented to the jury.

Defendants arrested in Hereford

After the alleged attack, the four defendants are said to have left the scene in Manny's car.

They were later arrested in Hereford.

Mears, Palfrey, Elliot and Manny all deny murder.

The case remains before Newport Crown Court and the trial is continuing.

The allegations against the defendants have not been proven.

Real Terryo Daily Round Up will continue to follow the case as proceedings develop.