Two boys aged 16 and 17 deny killing 38-year-old in stabbing incident as November trial date set at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court
Two teenage boys from Llantwit Major have pleaded not guilty to the murder of 38-year-old Kamran Rasool Aman, who died following a stabbing incident in Barry on 1 July 2024.
The defendants, aged 16 and 17, appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday, where they entered their pleas before Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff. The boys, who cannot be identified due to legal restrictions protecting the identity of minors in criminal proceedings, will stand trial on 11 November.
Mr Aman, a married father-of-one from Barry, died from a single stab wound to his chest following an incident on Barry Road just before midnight on 30 June. South Wales Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service were called to reports of a disturbance, with officers and paramedics attempting life-saving measures at the scene.
Court Proceedings and Legal Framework
The teenagers appeared separately during the hearing, with one present in court whilst the other participated via video link. Family and friends of both the defendants and Mr Aman attended the proceedings to observe.
“You have heard your trial date is now November 11,” Judge Lloyd-Clarke told the defendants, confirming the trial date had been brought forward from its original scheduling of 17 November.
Under English and Welsh law, defendants under the age of 18 are automatically granted anonymity in criminal proceedings. The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 and Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 prohibit the publication of any details that could lead to the identification of juvenile defendants, including names, addresses, schools, or photographs.
Initial Investigation and Arrests
The murder investigation began immediately after Mr Aman’s death in the early hours of 1 July. Detective Superintendent Mark O’Shea from South Wales Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team confirmed that the two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after the incident and had remained in custody.
A murder investigation has begun following the death of a 38-year-old man from Barry,” Detective Superintendent O’Shea stated at the time. “This is a close-knit community who no doubt will be deeply shocked and saddened by what has taken place.”
The investigation resulted in significant disruption to the local area, with extensive police cordons, road closures, and a local primary school being closed for the day. An increased police presence remained in Barry for several days as detectives and specialist staff worked to establish the circumstances surrounding Mr Aman’s death.
Previous Court Appearances
The teenagers first appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 4 July, where they were remanded into youth detention. Head magistrate Patricia Blackwell told them: “The charges which you face are so serious that your case must now be sent to crown court.
Both defendants have been held in youth detention facilities since their initial arrest, as is standard procedure for minors charged with serious offences in England and Wales.
Inquest Findings
A separate inquest opening at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Aman died from “a stab wound to the left chest, involving left ventricle,” according to post-mortem examination results. South Wales Central Area Coroner Kerrie Burge noted that the inquest was necessary because there was reason to suspect Mr Aman’s death was “unnatural.
The coroner added that “further evidence has to be gathered as part of the criminal investigation” and subsequently suspended the inquest proceedings to allow the criminal case to proceed.
Family’s Tribute
Mr Aman’s family released a moving tribute following his death, describing their “profound sorrow” at losing a man they called “the heart of his family.
“A devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished son, brother, uncle and loyal friend, Kamran was the heart of his family and loved within his community,” the family statement read. “Known for his generous spirit and kind heart, Kamran brought warmth and strength to everyone he met. His absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew him.”
The family continues to receive support from specially trained police family liaison officers throughout the ongoing legal proceedings.
Youth Justice Procedures
The case highlights the specific procedures in place for prosecuting minors in serious criminal cases. Under the youth justice system in England and Wales, established through the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, special measures are taken to ensure young defendants can participate effectively in proceedings.
These measures include the potential removal of wigs and gowns by legal professionals in Crown Court proceedings to put young defendants at ease, and the requirement for parents or guardians to attend court for defendants aged 16 and under.
The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10 years old, meaning children aged 10 to 17 can be arrested and charged with crimes. However, the system recognises the need for different treatment of juvenile defendants compared to adults, with proceedings adapted to account for their age and development.
Community Impact
Detective Superintendent O’Shea acknowledged the significant impact the incident has had on the Barry community, thanking residents for their support and cooperation during the investigation.
“We would very much like to thank the community for the support and information that has already been provided,” he said after charges were brought. We are aware that the road closures and police cordons, which have now been lifted, had a significant impact on the local community.
South Wales Police confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with Mr Aman’s death, providing some reassurance to local residents concerned about safety in their area.
Trial Preparations
As the case moves towards trial in November, both the prosecution and defence will be preparing their cases. The Crown Prosecution Service will need to present evidence to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt, whilst the defence teams will work to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Given the serious nature of the charges and the ages of the defendants, the trial is likely to include special measures to ensure the young defendants can participate effectively in proceedings whilst maintaining the principles of justice.
The case continues to be subject to strict reporting restrictions to protect the identity of the juvenile defendants, in line with established legal principles protecting children in the criminal justice system.
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