A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, has appeared in Cardiff Crown Court charged with the murder of missing 14-year-old girl Lilly Jones. The body found in Duffryn Park, Blaina, on 22 June, is believed by police to be that of Lilly Jones, who was reported missing. The boy, from the Blaenau Gwent area, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address in court on Monday, wearing a short-sleeved white shirt. He was flanked by three prison custody officers and a supporting adult, and his mother blew him a kiss as he left the dock.
The court hearing lasted just 21 minutes, and the boy was remanded into secure youth accommodation. A plea and trial preparation hearing has been set for 24 July, with a trial lasting four weeks set to begin on 23 November. The police investigation into Lilly Jones' disappearance and death is ongoing.