Treforest: Man jailed for life for Daniel Rae murder over drug debt

Mr Rae’s father, Anthony Rae, also addressed the court to highlight the impact on his grandchildren.

“They have been robbed of ever spending a Christmas, or another birthday, or any other milestones together. Sharing those precious memories with their daddy.”

He said the way his son died was “horrific” and the family were “constantly tormented” by the thought of what he endured in his last few minutes.

“The way Daniel died will haunt us forever.”

He said his son was “no angel”, but had the “biggest heart, infectious humour”, adding “your family love you dearly”.

“You had your whole life ahead of you – flourishing at your aircraft-engineering training at university.

“Never could we have imagined your fate, to be callously cut down in an act of mindless brutality.”

Carter also pleaded guilty to supplying class A and B drugs, specifically cocaine and cannabis.

The court heard he moved to south Wales from Birmingham and planned to set up a “county lines business” and was earning £200 to £300 a week supplying drugs.

Mr Justice Nicklin took these offences into account when sentencing and decided they should run concurrently.

Carter was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years for murder, four years for the supply of class A drugs and 12 months for the supply of class B drugs.

Two other people received suspended sentences for offences in connection with the case.

Amy Jones, who lived with Carter, was also sentenced for suppling cannabis with the court hearing she sold cannabis “edibles” for £15.

Ms Jones, 37, from Derwendeg Avenue, Glyncoch, was sentenced to 10 months in jail, suspended for 24 months for perverting the course of justice, after the court heard she helped treat a wound to Carter’s hand and helped him travel to Birmingham.

She was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and undergo rehabilitation and mental health programmes.

Chad Joy, 33, from Garth Avenue, Glyncoch, was sentenced to nine months in jail, suspended for 18 months, for assisting an offender after the court heard he tried to retrieve items belonging to Mr Carter following the murder.

He was ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work and undergo a rehabilitation programme.