Mother blows a kiss to her son, 14, as he appears in court charged with the murder of schoolgirl found dead in park

Published: 14:48, 29 June 2026 | Updated: 14:51, 29 June 2026 A mother today blew a kiss to her 14-year-old son charged with the murder of a schoolgirl found dead in a park. The boy - who won't be 15 until December - appeared in Cardiff Crown Court accused of the murder of 14-year-old Lilly Jones whose body was found hidden in undergrowth. His mother sat in the public gallery for the hearing lasting 21 minutes as he spoke quietly only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. She blew him a kiss as he left the dock flanked by three prison custody officers and a supporting adult. He wore a white shirt and dark trousers for the hearing. The slightly-built boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons but is a white British male from Blaenau Gwent, South Wales, was remanded into secure youth accommodation. No plea was taken before another hearing has been set for July 24, with a trial lasting four weeks set to begin on November 23. Lilly's home town of Blaina, Gwent, has raised nearly £20,000 for a memorial for her. The communities around the home town of young Lilly Jones are also staging a football match with a cup in her name in a bid to help her tragic family. Lilly's home town of Blaina, Gwent, has raised nearly £20,000 for a memorial for her Lilly Jones was captured running down a Blaina, South Wales, street on security footage  A fund for the memorial had a £10,000 target but has already topped £19,000 to mark the life of the bubbly schoolgirl.  The first ever Lilly Jones Memorial Cup will see Beaufort Colts take on Nantyglo FC on Saturday, July 18, from 1pm to 6pm, with all proceeds going to support Lilly's family. The memorial cup has been created to 'celebrate her life, offer a space for people to come together in grief and remembrance, and raise money to help her loved ones at an unimaginably difficult time.' A spokesperson said: 'No amount of money can ease the pain of losing a loved one. 'But together we can show Lilly's family that they are not alone.' Schoolgirl Lilly Jones was reported as a missing person by her worried family when she failed to return home from a trip to her home village high street on Saturday. Lilly can be seen breaking into a run on the footage - one parent with a daughter the same age as her said it looked as though she was trying to get away from someone Mr McNamara said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of one of our pupils, Lilly Jones. 'She was a valued member of our school community, known for her kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality. Her loss will be felt profoundly by students, staff, and all who knew her. 'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The school is providing support to pupils and staff who have been affected and we are working closely with relevant agencies to ensure that help is available to anyone who needs it.' Books of condolence have filled with tributes describing Lilly as a 'beautiful girl' and 'amazing friend'.  She was found dead in undergrowth in the park in Blaina, Gwent, just 500 yards from her home. Lilly's headteacher Gerard McNamara, of Brynmawr Foundation School, said her loss 'will be felt profoundly' by students and staff. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.