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Seven deny charges over woman's fatal shooting

Lucy Vladev
BBC News
Family photo Joanne Penney seen in selfie taken sitting in a car. She is making the peace sign hand gesture and has shoulder-length straight blonde hair and wears a light blue cardigan.Family photo
Joanne Penney died after being shot at a block of flats in Talbot Green on 9 March

Seven people have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the death of a woman who was shot dead at a block of flats in south Wales.

Joanne Penney was found seriously injured at Green Park in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on 9 March and died at the scene.

Eight people have been charged in connection with the case and seven of them appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday where a trial date of 20 October was set.

An inquest opening in March heard that the 40-year-old died after being shot in the chest, suffering injuries to her heart and lung.

Emergency services were called to Llys Illtyd flats on 9 March to find Ms Penney with serious injuries.

Neighbours at the time took flowers to the scene and Ms Penney's family released a statement saying they were devastated by their loss and that her "kindness, strength and love for her family will never be forgotten".

Athena Picture Agency A composite image of three men. On the left the man is an older gentleman with grey hair and glasses on his head. He has a moustache and is wearing a grey jumper. In the middle the man is looking at the camera and has a grey t-shirt and blue hoody around his shoulders. He has a skinhead. And on the right is a black man with dreadlocks who is wearing glasses and a blue jumper.Athena Picture Agency
Tony Porter, Marcus Huntley and Joshua Gordon appeared at Cardiff Crown Court in connection with the murder of Joanne Penney

Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 39, from Leicester, is charged with murder and participating in the activities of an organised crime group but did not attend court.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke said she would arrange a new hearing date after her plea has been set.

The seven defendants who appeared in court were:

  • Marcus Huntley, 20, from St Mellons, Cardiff, charged with murder and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group
  • Sai Raj Manne, 25, of no fixed abode appeared via video link from HMP Hewell charged with participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group and having in his possession/purchasing or acquiring a firearm
  • Kristina Ginova, 21, from Oadby, Leicestershire, charged with murder and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group
  • Joshua Gordon, 27, from Oadby, charged with murder and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group, appeared from HMP Bristol
  • Jordan Mills-Smith, 33, from Pentwyn, Cardiff, charged with murder and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group
  • Tony Porter, 68, from Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, charged with murder and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group
  • Molly Cooper, 33, from Leicester, charged with participating in the activities of an organised crime group and having in her possession/purchasing or acquiring ammunition for a firearm without a certificate