A 20-year-old man from Bristol has admitted to possessing a shotgun with intent to cause fear of violence and unlawful wounding following a shooting incident in a Cardiff suburb that left a 15-year-old boy injured. The incident, which took place in Clos y Ffynnon, Pontprennau on Saturday evening, 7 June, saw police and emergency services respond to reports of a firearm being discharged just after 8pm.
When officers arrived, they discovered the teenage victim, who was swiftly transported to hospital for treatment. Authorities have confirmed that the boy’s injuries, while serious, were not life threatening, providing some relief to the local community. The shocking nature of the incident has nonetheless heightened concerns about youth safety and gun crime in the area.
Ashley Corbin, of no fixed abode, faced multiple charges when he appeared via video link at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday. Corbin pleaded not guilty to more serious accusations, including possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, having a loaded shotgun in a public place, and wounding with intent, but did admit to lesser charges of possessing a firearm with the aim of inciting fear and unlawful wounding.
The prosecution, led by Clare Wilks, indicated that Corbin’s partial acceptance of responsibility did not satisfy the Crown, with the court informed that the matter would proceed to trial. The presiding judge, Recorder of Cardiff Tracey Lloyd-Clare, remanded Corbin in custody given the gravity of the incident and pending further legal proceedings.
Corbin is due to stand trial alongside a 17-year-old co-defendant, also from Bristol, whose identity is protected due to legal restrictions on naming juveniles involved in criminal cases. The trial has been scheduled for 8 December and is anticipated to run for approximately two weeks, allowing ample time to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.
In addition to Corbin and the unnamed minor, the investigation led South Wales Police to detain four other individuals. An 18-year-old woman from Newport, an 18-year-old man from Cardiff, and a 22-year-old man from Newport have all been released on bail as further enquiries into unrelated issues continue. Similarly, a 22-year-old Bristol man was bailed in connection with the shooting incident itself.
Police are maintaining an active appeal for information as their investigation progresses. Officers are particularly keen to speak with any motorists who were on the roads near Pontprennau and Pentwyn around the time of the shooting, especially those travelling on Church Road or the A4232 (the Pentwyn link road) between 7pm and 7.50pm on the evening in question. Investigators have asked anyone with dashcam footage that might capture relevant details to come forward.
The incident has sparked an ongoing discussion about gun-related violence and community safety in Cardiff, with many residents feeling unsettled by the rare occurrence of a shooting involving a young victim. As the legal process unfolds, locals and authorities alike hope for a resolution that will help restore a sense of security.
Court proceedings like these often have wider social implications. They pose challenging questions for communities, law enforcement, and policymakers about prevention, intervention, and the support available to both victims and young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
South Wales Police have assured the public that they remain committed to a thorough investigation, urging anyone with potentially useful information to reach out. The result of the upcoming trial is likely to be closely watched not only by those connected to the case, but also by wider audiences concerned about the safety of Cardiff’s streets.