A seventh person has appeared in court in connection with the murder of a 40-year-old woman who was shot dead in a flat.

Joanne Penney was found seriously injured on Green Park in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on 9 March and died at the scene.

Six people – five charged with murder and one with assisting them – were previously remanded in custody ahead of a trial.

Sai Raj Manne, 25, of no fixed abode, has now been charged with participating in the activities of an organised crime group and appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday.

He appeared via video link from HMP Hewell in Worcestershire, but did not enter a plea.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke joined the case with those of the other six and they will all next appear for a pre-trial hearing on 7 July, with the trial date set to begin on 20 October.

An inquest opening in March heard that Ms Penney died after being shot in the chest, with injuries to her heart and lung.

In a tribute, Ms Penney’s family said they were devastated by the loss.

“Her kindness, strength and love for her family will never be forgotten,” they said.