Eighth person in court over woman's fatal shooting

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

Alun Thomas
BBC News

A 39-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to murder following the death of a woman who was shot dead at a block of flats.

Joanne Penney, 40, was found seriously injured at Green Park in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on 9 March and died at the scene.

Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 39, from Leicester, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Friday morning charged with murder and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.

Seven other defendants appeared in court on Monday and also pleaded not guilty to all charges against them.

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 earlier this week

She was told a date for a trial has been set for 20 October. She was remanded in custody.

The seven other defendants who appeared in court earlier this week were:

  • Marcus Huntley, 20, from St Mellons, Cardiff, charged with murder and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group

  • 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

  • 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

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