THREE men and a boy have denied the murder of a man in Newport and the robbery of his Gucci bag.

Ryan O’Connor, 26, died after being found unconscious and unresponsive in Balfe Road just after 9pm on Thursday, June 10 this year.

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Four defendants appeared at Newport Crown Court today and pleaded not guilty to his murder.

They were:

  • Lewis Aquilina, 20, of Canton Court, Riverside, Cardiff
  • Elliot Fiteni, 19, of no fixed abode
  • Kyle Raisis, 18, of Bartley Wilson Way, Canton, Cardiff
  • A 17-year-old boy from Caerphilly who cannot be named because of his age

They also denied manslaughter and robbery.

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The four are due to go on trial on January 4, 2022.

They were all remanded in custody by Judge Michael Fitton QC.

A fifth defendant, Ethan Strickland, 19, of Clos Briallen, Caerau, Cardiff, did not appear in court and is due to face a plea and trial preparation hearing on December 10.

After his death, Mr O'Connor's family paid tribute to him.

They said: “Ryan was a loving and caring person."