**Teenager Corey Gauci Awaits Life Sentence for Fatal Stabbing of Cardiff Father-of-Seven**
A Cardiff teenager is facing a life sentence after being found guilty of the murder of a father-of-seven, following an altercation that spiralled into violence in the Ely area of the city. Corey Gauci, 19, stands convicted for the killing of 48-year-old Colin Richards—an incident which has sent shockwaves throughout the local community and highlighted concerns about knife crime in the capital.
The tragic incident unfolded just after 11pm on 7 April 2024, when tensions between two groups, stemming from a dispute between former partners, escalated to deadly proportions. According to evidence presented during the trial at Cardiff Crown Court, the fatal confrontation stemmed from a bitter row involving Noreen O’Driscoll and Christian Morgan. Their acrimonious split saw family members and others drawn into the quarrel, with several individuals arming themselves with knives before converging in the neighbourhood.
On the night in question, Mr Richards arrived at the scene armed with a hammer, having responded to a call from Morgan. Both travelled together in Richards’ Audi to Heol Trelai, where they encountered Gauci and James O’Driscoll, both reportedly carrying knives and wearing balaclavas. CCTV footage used in the case showed Morgan carrying a knife earlier that evening, further underlining the violent atmosphere that pervaded the street.
After damage was caused to a Nissan Qashqai—reportedly belonging to those aligned with O’Driscoll—events moved rapidly. Two men, identified by prosecutors as Gauci and O’Driscoll, were seen moving into a nearby cut-through where the situation devolved into chaos. James O’Driscoll was seen pursuing Morgan towards the Highfields pub, whilst Gauci and Richards remained close to the Audi.
It was at this moment, the jury heard, that Gauci delivered a fatal stab wound to Mr Richards’ upper right thigh—severing his femoral artery and vein. Morgan, upon returning to the vehicle, found Richards gravely injured in the passenger seat and immediately called emergency services. Despite swift attendance from police and paramedics, as well as attempts to resuscitate him, Richards was pronounced dead at 12:22am on 8 April.
The Crown’s case outlined the sequence of events that led to this devastating outcome and resulted in a series of guilty verdicts against several individuals connected to the altercation. Gauci, who resided on Wilson Road in Ely, was convicted of both murder and violent disorder. Others, including James O’Driscoll, Soraya Somersall, Rebecca Ross and Noreen O’Driscoll, were also found guilty of various related offences—ranging from violent disorder to assisting an offender and possession of weapons.
As proceedings drew to a close at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday 23 May, sentencing was set to take place, with the expectation that Gauci would receive a mandatory life term for murder. The tragedy has left the Richards family bereaved, with heartfelt tributes describing Colin as a much-loved father, friend and community member.
Knife crime continues to be a pressing issue in Wales and across the UK, drawing calls for tougher legislation and preventative community action. The case also underscores the deadly consequences that can result from personal disputes escalating unchecked, especially when weapons are introduced into the equation.
As the defendants await their sentences, the community reflects on the events that led to the loss of a father and the subsequent lives irrevocably changed. The outcome of this case, while perhaps bringing a measure of justice, will serve as a stark reminder of the lives destroyed and the importance of addressing the roots of violence within society.
Further details on the sentencing and reactions from the affected families are expected to be released in due course, as the city comes to terms with another tragic case of lives lost to senseless violence.