A teenager has been sentenced to life in prison for using his car to kill a mother-of-three.
Kian Bateman, 19, was high on nitrous oxide when he hit 38-year-old Shelley Davis outside the 4th Glamorgan Homeguard Club in Caerau, Cardiff at around 12:30am on 27 September last year.
She suffered serious injuries from the incident and died from multiple organ failure and complications caused by the crash two weeks later on 18 October.
Bateman was sentenced to life in prison on Friday and must serve at least 17 years in prison for the murder of Davies and the grievous bodily harm of her partner David Bratcher, 40, who was also seriously hit in the incident.
On the night of the incident, Bateman, who was 18 at the time, had been at a music event by reggae artist and DJ General Levy. He left the venue to visit his girlfriend but upon finding she had not returned from work, went back to the club.
Cardiff Crown Court heard how there had been a “disagreement” involving Bateman’s brother and Bratcher outside the social club where a group of people had gathered and the atmosphere was growing “ugly”.
Davies is reported to have landed on the ground during the confrontation that ensued at which point Bateman is said to have “made a spur of the moment decision” to accelerate his vehicle and drive towards Bratcher, not seeing her on the floor.
The car, a Seat Ibiza, reached a speed of 10mph causing multiple serious injuries to the couple, with Davies thrown over the bonnet of the vehicle.
“You did not stop, but drove off… You handed yourself in the next day,” said Justice Stacey while sentencing.
“I am satisfied and I am sure that you did not see Ms Davies lying in the road in front of Mr Bratcher and I accept that you did not intend to cause her any harm.
“But because she was in the way when you were trying to cause really serious harm to Mr Bratcher, it means that you are guilty of Ms Davies’ murder.”
She continued: “You were taking nitrous oxide balloons all evening, including when you were driving.
“I accept that you became scared and panicky there in the car… but you could have reversed out of the situation.
“Instead, you accelerated and drove at Mr Bratcher intending to cause him serious harm.”
Bateman admitted causing death and injury by dangerous driving and was convicted by a jury of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Davies was described as a “force of nature” who worked as a Reiki healer supporting individuals struggling with addiction.
“She was the person I loved, my best friend, and the mother of our three children,” said Mr Bratcher.
“Losing her in such a sudden and violent way has changed our lives forever.”
The court also hear how Bateman had a learning disability. He was disqualified from driving for 21 years and 109 days and ordered to take an extended re-test.
