Teenager found guilty of murdering Cardiff father of seven Colin Richards

A 19-year-old man has been convicted of the murder of a much-loved Cardiff grandfather.

Colin Richards, 48, from Grangetown, was found unconscious following a report of a disturbance in the Heol-Y-Berllan area of Caerau, Cardiff, last April.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died from a stab wound to his thigh.

Corey Gauci, 19, denied murder and violent disorder but following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court has today (Wednesday, April 9) been found guilty.

The jury also returned verdicts on five others:

• James O’Driscoll, 27, of no fixed abode: guilty of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
• Christian Morgan, 36, from Caerau: guilty of possession of a bladed article but failed to reach a verdict on the charge of violent disorder.
• Noreen O’Driscoll, 29, from Ely: guilty of assisting an offender.
• Rebecca Ross, 44, from Lincoln: guilty of assisting an offender and possession of a bladed article.
• Soraya Somersall, 44, from Butetown: guilty of assisting an offender

The court heard how the violence had escalated from a disagreement between Christian Morgan, a friend of Colin Richards, and the other defendants.

Morgan had received threatening and insulting messages from his ex-girlfriend Noreen O’Driscoll, sister of James O’Driscoll.

This culminated in the defendants being in the area of Heol Berllan on the night of Sunday, April 7, 2024, when violence ensued and resulted in Mr Richards being fatally injured.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Davies said:

“Colin was a much-loved father, grandfather, son, and brother.
“His tragic death has left seven children without a father, and they continue to miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with Colin’s today family as they have been throughout.
“We would like to thank all the witnesses who assisted the investigation, as well as the prosecution team.”

Sentencing is due to take place on May 23.