Two men admit gang charges in relation to woman’s Talbot Green death

Two men have pleaded guilty to charges relating to the death of a woman who was shot dead at a block of flats in south Wales.

Joanne Penney, 40, was found seriously injured at Green Park in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on 9 March after being shot and died at the scene.

Eleven people have been charged in connection with the case, and five of them appeared in Cardiff Crown Court on Friday.

Marcus Huntley, 20, from St Mellons, Cardiff and Jordan Mills-Smith, 33, from Pentwyn, Cardiff, both pleaded guilty to the charge of participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group.

They also face a charge of murder, which they had previously pleaded not guilty to.

An inquest opening in March heard Ms Penney died after being shot in the chest, suffering injuries to her heart and lung.

Callum Kelleher, 37, from Liverpool also appeared, and pleaded not guilty to participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group and to a charge of assault and actual bodily harm that does not relate to Ms Penney.

Huntley, Mills-Smith and Mr Kelleher will appear with six others at the trial which is due to start on 20 October.

Also appearing in court during a separate hearing were Laura John, 22, of Rhiwbina, Cardiff and 50-year-old Donna James, of Llanishen, Cardiff.

They both pleaded not guilty to a charge of assisting an offender.

They were released on conditional bail, and their trial is listed for 30 November 2026.

South Wales Police has also arrested a 12th person in connection with the case.