Schools' tribute to Amie (From Penarth Times)

Schools' tribute to Amie

A FORMER Penarth schoolgirl shot dead at point-blank range has been remembered as a "bright and cheerful" girl by her former headmaster.

Amie Miles, 17, formerly of St Cyres School, died from a single gun shot wound to the heart early last Thursday morning at her flat in Holmesdale Street, Grangetown.

The news sent shock waves around the school on the day it broke up for the summer holidays, leaving staff and fellow pupils in disbelief.

Head teacher Brian Lightman said on Friday: "Amie, who left last summer, was a bright, cheerful, above-average pupil who left St Cyres last year after gaining nine GCSE passes.

"She was popular with pupils and staff and we're shocked to hear this news and send our sincere sympathies to the family."

Amie was gunned down after finishing work at the Electricity Club in Pontcanna at about 1am.

A friend gave her a lift home but within minutes of dropping her off a single gunshot rang around the street.

She was dead on arrival at the University Hospital of Wales. A post mortem examination confirmed the cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the heart.

The area around Holmesdale Street, including Grange Gardens, was cordoned off by police following the incident.

At Cardiff Magistrates Court on Tuesday, three men were charged over the murder of Amie. Her former lover Raymond Burrell, of Butetown, appeared in court on was charged with her murder.

Magistrates heard that the 25 year-old was Amie's boyfriend until two weeks before she died. He was remanded in custody to appear in Cardiff Crown Court on July 31. Jobless Burrell, who was wearing a red T-shirt and jeans, spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Two other men were charged with assisting the murder of Amie at her bedsit flat. Gary White, 37, of Clive Street, Grangetown, and Reuben McCauley, 20, of Christina Street, Butetown, were accused of "providing shelter and transport to Burrell with the intention to prevent his being apprehended".

They were also remanded in custody until July 31. Amie, whose parents, Chris and Beth, live in Windsor Quay, also worked for double glazing firm Vellacine in Leckwith. The family moved to South Wales from London several years ago.

Anyone with information is asked to phone the incident room on 029 2057 1562 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.