Four men in court over teen’s death
FOUR men accused of the murder of 17-year-old Harry Baker, whose body was found fatally stabbed in Barry, have appeared in court.
Nathan Delafonteine, 32, of no fixed abode, and Raymond Thompson, 47, of Barry, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where they spoke only to confirm their names and addresses.
Both defendants face one count of murder in relation to the death of 17-year-old Harry Baker on Wednesday, August 28.
The 17-year-old from Rumney in Cardiff was described by his family as a “fun-loving son and brother”.
The youth’s body was found at Barry Intermodal Terminal at around 5.50am.
At the short hearing, in which the court heard details surrounding the circumstances of Mr Baker’s death, the public gallery was packed with members of the deceased’s family who held up photos of him.
Both defendants were sent to Cardiff Crown Court where they later appeared alongside their co-defendants Peter McCarthy, 36, and Ryan Palmer, 33, both from Barry, who have also been charged with Mr Baker’s murder.
The case was listed before Judge Eleri Rees for a preliminary hearing at Cardiff Crown Court shortly after the magistrates’ court hearing.
McCarthy, 36, from Bassett Street in Barry, was represented by Julia Cox during the crown court hearing, which lasted for about half an hour.
Palmer, 33, from Aberaeron Close in Barry; Delafonteine, 32, who does not have a fixed address; and Thompson, 47, from Hillary Rise in Barry; were represented by Kevin Seal.
There were more than a dozen people in the public gallery for the preliminary hearing. They were asked not to hold up photographs.
Prosecutor Jason Howells said the trial was expected to last for six weeks and Judge Rees set the trial date for Monday, February 24.
The defendants – who were wearing grey T-shirts – confirmed their names, dates of birth, addresses and nationalities. They have not yet entered pleas.
McCarthy, Palmer, Delafonteine and Thompson were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on November 22.
■ South Wales Police yesterday said two more people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Two males, aged 21 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of murder and are in police custody.