A teenager high on nitrous oxide 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 considered for release.
Bateman was found guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial in May. He was also sentenced to five years for the injuries caused to the victim's partner, David Bratcher, which will run concurrently. He received a driving ban of 21 years and 109 days.
The incident occurred on September 27 last year when Bateman, under the influence of laughing gas inhaled from a balloon, drove his mother's SEAT Ibiza. He targeted Shelley Davies, 38, outside the 4th Glamorgan Homeguard Club in Caerau, Cardiff. Ms. Davies had been attending a music event with Mr. Bratcher, 40.
According to court findings, a disagreement between Bateman's brother and Mr. Bratcher preceded the attack. During the altercation, Ms. Davies fell to the ground. Bateman, accelerating his vehicle, drove over Ms. Davies at approximately 10 mph without seeing her on the floor. He then struck Mr. Bratcher, who was thrown onto the bonnet of the car.
Ms. Davies was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where she died from her injuries weeks later on October 18. Mr. Bratcher sustained serious injuries in the incident.
In a victim impact statement read to Cardiff Crown Court, Mr. Bratcher described the experience as "the most traumatic I've ever had." He stated, "She was a huge part of our lives, she held our family together. Losing her in such a sudden and violent way has changed our lives forever. I feel a constant sense of loss and sadness."
Detective Superintendent Mark O'Shea of South Wales Police commended the investigation and the community. "Shelley was loved dearly, and is greatly missed, by her family and friends. Our thoughts remain with them today as they have been throughout this horrendous ordeal," he said.
Judge Mary Stacey praised the first responders and the investigation team for their professionalism and compassion in handling the case. "This team of detectives approached this awful case with compassion and professionalism," she remarked. "I wish to thank all the police officers and civilian staff who investigated the case and for their detective work and watched and rewatched the CCTV footage that they were able to retrieve, so that this case could be brought to justice."