Man charged over pregnant teenager murder

A man will appear in court tomorrow charged with the murder of pregnant teenager Nikitta Grender, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Carl Whant, 26, will also face a charge of child destruction when he goes before magistrates in Caerphilly.

Heavily pregnant Miss Grender was attacked in her flat in Broadmead Park, Liswerry, Newport, south Wales, on February 5.

Whant is the second cousin of the victim's boyfriend Ryan Mayes, 18, who is the father of her baby, already named Kelsey-May.

Miss Grender was stabbed twice and her flat set on fire.

Stacey Turner, the CPS's district crown prosecutor for Gwent, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has been working closely alongside Gwent police as the investigation into Nikitta Grender's murder progressed.

"We can now confirm that, having carefully examined a file of evidence provided by Gwent police, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge Carl Whant with the murder of Nikitta Grender and that it is in the public interest to do so.

"Accordingly, we have advised Gwent police to charge him.

"Offences relating to unborn children fall outside the scope of murder legislation.

"Therefore in respect of Nikitta Grender's unborn child, we have also advised Gwent police to charge Carl Whant with the offence of child destruction under the Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929.

"The defendant will appear at Caerphilly Magistrates' Court on Monday 14 February.

"This remains a very difficult time for Nikitta's family.

"They have been informed of our decision by the police and we hope to be able to meet with them soon to explain the trial process and answer any questions they may have.

"Carl Whant now stands charged with two extremely serious criminal offences and has the right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that nothing should be published that could prejudice his trial."