Murder-accused devastated by woman's death, court hears

A man accused of murdering a woman by "deliberately" driving at her and her partner said he has been left "devastated" by her death.

Shelley Davies, 38, and David Bratcher, 40, were seriously injured outside the 4th Glamorgan Home Guard Club in Caerau, Cardiff, on 27 September. She died in hospital three weeks later.

Kian Bateman "accelerated" his car at the pair after seeing them in an "altercation" with his brother Kai Bateman outside the venue, Cardiff Crown Court previously heard.

Bateman, 19 and from Caerau, admitted causing death and injury by dangerous driving, but denies the murder of Davies and the attempted murder of Bratcher.

Jurors were previously told about footage which appeared to show the defendant's brother punching Davies after she "hit out" at a balloon in his hand and threw a drink at him.

The court also heard the defendant had been seen on CCTV inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon, which the prosecution alleges can lead to increased aggression.

Giving evidence at the trial on Monday, the defendant was asked by his barrister, Caroline Rees KC, about the effects of the drug.

He denied the drug made him feel aggressive or have negative feelings.

Bateman told the court he had been to the club to watch a DJ perform and had briefly driven to his girlfriend's house before returning.

"When I came back there was a big crowd gathered and everyone was shouting and arguing… Really loud, everyone was shouting," he told the court.

"I seen glasses getting thrown, people arguing and pushing each other out the way."

He said he felt "petrified" by the scene outside the club and when asked what of by Rees, he replied, "getting hurt".

When asked what happened next, Bateman said: "I just drove, I didn't know why I did it… I was just scared like, I wish it never happened."

He said he was devastated by the events and had not wanted to hurt anyone, adding he was in shock when he learned he had run over Davies.

Bateman denies murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The trial continues.