Teenager killed by zombie knife, court told

A 17-year-old boy died from a single stab wound from a zombie knife, a court has heard.

Tristan Shae Kerr died at the scene, at a property on Lower Francis Street in Abertridwr, Caerphilly county, at about 17:45 GMT on Thursday 5 February.

Ricardo Elliot, 26, Connor Palfrey, 24, Elexi Manny, 24, and 18-year-old Georgie Mears have been charged with the teenager's murder.

All four appeared at Newport Crown Court via video link on Tuesday, but none of the defendants entered a plea.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told the court that it was "vital" for court proceedings not to be interrupted.

"I am well aware that feelings ran high when this case went before magistrates' court [on Monday]," she said.

During the short hearing, no applications for bail were made for Palfrey, Manny or Mears, and a bail application for Elliot was denied.

Outlining the prosecution case briefly, the court heard the defendants were all present at the flat where Tristan Kerr was allegedly killed with a knife "nine to 10 inches (23-25cm) long".

Despite the presence of an off-duty nurse at the scene, "his life could not be saved".

The four defendants are set to appear again on 20 March, with a provisional trial date of 3 August, estimated to last four to six weeks.

Tristan's family paid tribute to him, calling him a "deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend".

The tribute described him as "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," it read.

Hailed as a best friend and protector to his sisters and brothers, his family said he 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."