Man admits murdering woman in gang turf war

A 21-YEAR-OLD is facing life imprisonment after admitting the murder of a woman who was shot dead when a turf war between rival gangs turned violent.

- ROD MINCHIN Press Association reporter

Marcus Huntley arriving at Cardiff Crown Court Joanne Penney was shot dead by Marcus Huntley

Marcus Huntley shot dead Joanne Penney, 40, after she opened the door of a flat in south Wales on March 9 this year.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Ms Penney was shot at almost pointblank range in the chest with a handgun after being confronted in Llys Illtyd, Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Yesterday, on the second day of the trial, Huntley changed his plea to admit the murder of Ms Penney.

He had previously pleaded guilty to participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group (OCG) between March 2024 and March 2025.

As the trial had already started, Mr Justice Fordham directed the jury to find Huntley guilty of murder.

The judge remanded Huntley, of Orchard Park, St Mellons, Cardiff, into custody to be sentenced at the conclusion of trial of his co-accused.

“Mr Huntley, you have been convicted by the jury of murder on the basis of your plea to the offence of murder,” the judge said.

“You will be remanded into custody pending sentence in this court and I am not making a decision at the moment when sentencing will take place, but it will be at some stage after this trial has been completed.”