A teenager who inhaled nitrous oxide from a balloon was high on the substance when he deliberately drove his car into a mother-of-three outside a Cardiff nightclub, killing her and seriously injuring her partner. Kian Bateman, 19, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, with a minimum of 17 years to be served before he can be released on license.
Bateman was found guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial in May. He received a concurrent sentence of five years for the injuries caused to David Bratcher, the victim's partner, for which he was cleared of attempted murder. He was also banned from driving for over 21 years.
The incident occurred on September 27 last year. Shelley Davies, 38, was at the 4th Glamorgan Homeguard Club in Caerau, Cardiff, with Mr. Bratcher, 40, for a music event. According to court proceedings, a disagreement between Bateman's brother and Mr. Bratcher escalated, leading to Ms. Davies falling to the ground.
Bateman then accelerated his car, a SEAT Ibiza belonging to his mother, and drove towards Mr. Bratcher. The court heard that Bateman did not see Ms. Davies on the ground as he drove directly over her at approximately 10 mph. He then struck Mr. Bratcher, who was thrown onto the bonnet of the vehicle.
Ms. Davies was transported to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where she died from her injuries on October 18. Mr. Bratcher sustained serious injuries. In a victim impact statement read in court, Mr. Bratcher described the event as 'the most traumatic I've ever had' and stated that losing Ms. Davies, who he described as 'a huge part of our lives,' had changed their lives forever, leaving him with a 'constant sense of loss and sadness.'
Detective Superintendent Mark O'Shea of South Wales Police commented on the case, stating that the court found Bateman deliberately drove at Ms. Davies and seriously injured Mr. Bratcher. He added that Ms. Davies was 'loved dearly and is greatly missed' by her family and friends, and that thoughts remain with them. He also thanked witnesses, the Caerau community, and the prosecution team for their assistance.
During the sentencing, Judge Mary Stacey commended the investigation team, first responders, and police officers for their compassion, professionalism, and diligent detective work, particularly in reviewing CCTV footage to bring the case to justice. Bateman was also banned from driving for 21 years and 109 days.