Murder and manslaughter verdicts in Tristan Kerr trial

A 17-year-old boy was stabbed through the heart with a "Rambo-style" knife and left dying in the street after a fatal attack linked to the drugs trade.

A jury at Newport Crown Court found Georgie Mears, 19, guilty of murdering Tristan Kerr, while Connor Palfrey, 25, was convicted of manslaughter following a five-week trial.

The Caerphilly teenager was stabbed by Mears and died in the street shortly after being attacked at around 5.40pm on Thursday, February 5 at a friend’s house.

Tristan was attacked on Lower Francis Street in Abertridwr.

Connor Palfrey is facing years behind bars for manslaughter (Image: Athena Picture Agency)

Michael Jones KC, prosecuting, told the jury the victim was knifed with a “Rambo-style” blade or hunting knife.

Jurors were told that Palfrey went into the property with a wooden stick to support Mears.

Tristan was referred to during the trial as a drug dealer while Mears and Palfrey also admitted that they were involved in the trade.

Two other defendants, Ricardo Elliot, from London, 27, and Elexi Manny, 25, of Commercial Street, Senghenydd, Caerphilly were both acquitted of murder and manslaughter.

Victim Tristan Kerr (Image: Facebook)

Mr Elliot was also involved in drug trafficking, the trial heard.

He and Miss Manny were told they were free to go by the judge, Mrs Justice Mary Stacey, after they had spent the last nine months in prison remanded in custody.

Mears, from Cardiff, and Palfrey, of Aberfawr Terrace, Abertridwr, Caerphilly are due to be sentenced next Wednesday.

They were not in court to hear the verdicts because they had not attended due to a “sickness bug” in the prison where they have been remanded in custody.

The pair had not been able to join proceedings on a video link to hear their fates and had to wait until one could be established around half an hour later.

Mears will be sentenced to a mandatory life sentence which he will begin serving in a young offender institution.

It will be for Mrs Justice Stacey next week to set the minimum tariff he has to serve.

Palfrey is potentially facing years behind bars for his role in the killing.

Both defendants were remanded in custody.

Shortly after his death, his family paid this tribute to him: “He was a deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend – a well-known and cherished character in his community.

"Tristan was handsome and quick-witted, with a passion for motorbikes and adventure.

“He had a spark about him that drew people in, and an energy that filled every room he entered.

"He was truly his mother’s son: strong, brave and full of warmth, with a heart that cared deeply for those he loved.”

They added: "To his brothers and sisters, he was more than family – he was their best friend, their hero and their protector, always standing beside them and never far when he was needed.

“His presence brought comfort, laughter and reassurance. "He was his brother Conon’s idol, someone to look up to. He was an older brother to Aliyah and never far behind her. "Tristan was mischievous, always finding a way to make people laugh and lifting spirits even on difficult days.

“Tristan had a way of leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met – not just for his humour, but for his loyalty, kindness and the love he gave so freely. "He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the memories he created, the smiles he left behind and the space in our hearts that will always belong to him.

"My darling boy, our now precious angel, your memory will live on. We will forever tell your stories and your friends will make sure you're remembered too.

"Your smile that lit up a room will be cherished and deeply missed. You have broken so many hearts but opened so many eyes.

"We will love you for a life time, it's not goodbye, it's until we meet.

"RIP our darling boy, forever 17."