A world champion kickboxer accused of murdering 18-year-old Ceiran Evans in Gorseinon will stand trial in the new year.
Tyler Ford, 18, of Waun Road, Morriston — who has been a world kickboxing champion nine times — appeared at Swansea Crown Court today charged with murder and with the attempted murder of a second person.
The charges relate to a collision between a car and an off-road motorbike on Pen Cae Crwn Road in Gorseinon at around 1pm on Thursday 9 July, in which Mr Evans died.
Ford spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing and was not asked to enter pleas.
Judge Paul Thomas KC fixed a plea and case management hearing for 29 September, and said a trial lasting two weeks will begin on 11 January next year.
Remanding Ford in custody, the judge said: “The next hearing will be September 29 and the defendant will of course remain in custody.”
Mr Evans’s death prompted an outpouring of grief in Gorseinon and beyond. His family said he had worked hard and saved his own money to buy “the bike of his dreams” — and died riding it two days later.
In a tribute released through South Wales Police, they said: “Ceiran was loved more than any words can say and will be missed every single day.”
“His kind heart, wicked sense of humour, loving nature, and handsome smile brought so much joy to everyone who knew him. He will forever be our precious baby boy; always loved, always remembered, and never forgotten.”
A memorial ride-out organised by his family will take place this Sunday, with riders meeting at The New Lodge in Gorseinon at 10am to celebrate his love of bikes and vehicles.
The collision initially led to five arrests. Local councillors described the death as a devastating loss for the community and urged people not to share footage of the incident online.
Ford was charged two days after the collision.
South Wales Police has asked witnesses, or anyone with video footage of the incident, to contact the force.
The case continues.
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