Girl, 14, found dead in South Wales park had 'multiple stab wounds', inquest hears
A 14-year-old girl found dead in a South Wales park sustained multiple stab wounds, an inquest has been told.
Lilly Anne Jones was discovered in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on June 22, having been reported missing two days earlier on June 20. An inquest opening at Gwent Coroner's Court heard that the teenager was found with injuries to her chest and neck in a wooded area near the bowls club, shortly after 10pm.
Sections of Pilgrims Park, which lies next to the A467 in Blaina, were sealed off following the discovery of her body. Floral tributes were placed near the location by members of the community.
Senior coroner Caroline Saunders stated that a post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Richard Jones. She said: "The medical cause of death he has provided me with is 1A multiple wounds to the neck and trunk." The coroner scheduled a provisional inquest date of April 6, 2027.
A 14-year-old boy who cannot be identified for legal reasons appeared at Cardiff Crown Court charged with Lilly's murder. The youth, from the Blaenau Gwent area of south-east Wales and previously identified by police as white British, entered no plea to the murder charge and was remanded in custody.
Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, set a trial date commencing on November 23, expected to run for four weeks.
Lilly was a pupil at Brynmawr Foundation School. Head teacher Gerard McNamara released a statement saying: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of one of our pupils Lilly Jones. She was a valued member of our school community known for her kindness, warmth and bubbly personality. Her loss will be felt profoundly by students, staff and all who knew her."
The school added that it is providing support to pupils and staff affected by her death and working closely with relevant agencies to ensure help is available to anyone who needs it.