Man accused of murdering delivery driver hit by own van appears in court

05 May 2023 , 14:45

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Mark Lang was allegedly hit by his own van and eventually died of his injuries (Image: MEDIA WALES)

A man charged with the murder of a delivery driver allegedly hit by his own van is set to appear in court today.

Mark Lang, 54, was rushed to University Hospital of Wales after suffering a brain injury and "multiple lacerations across the body" following the incident on Laytonia Avenue, Cardiff on March 28.

Mr Lang had been delivering parcels when he is said to have been hit by his white van, which had been allegedly stolen.

After being struck he was carried by the vehicle before it came to a stop 0.6 miles away near Cathays High School, a court earlier heard.

Christopher Elgafari, 31, from Llanrumney, was charged with attempted murder while Mr Lang remained in a critical condition and appeared in court under those offences on March 31 and April 3.

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Christopher Elgifari has been charged with Mr Lang's murder (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

After Mr Lang's death, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) recharged Elgafari with murder.

He was due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court this afternoon accused of killing Mr Lang.

South Wales Police said Mr Lang's family have been updated and continue to be supported by a family liaison officer.

In a tribute released last month, his partner said: "It's difficult to put into words quite how any of us are feeling. I don't think we can ever get over something so brutal and ultimately pointless.

“Our thanks go out to all the emergency services who did their best to bring him back to us, the people on the scene who rallied around him and called for help, and all the staff at the Heath who made sure his final days were comfortable and who worked tirelessly to help him and the family.

"Throughout all of this it has been comforting to see so much love and support from so many people who knew Mark. Friends, colleagues, old teammates as well as customers and their dogs .

Police at the scene of the crime in Wales earlier this year (MEDIA WALES)

“We've been inundated with nice words and if we noticed it we spoke to him about it. Assume he was aware of your kind words and very happy to hear them.

"Mark was a good man, with a lot of love to give. He passed in the early hours of the morning surrounded by family. Peacefully. Comfortably. Loved.

“He will be sorely missed."

In a statement, a spokesperson from South Wales Police said: "The 54-year-old man who was injured following an incident on North Road, Cardiff on Tuesday March 28 has died at the University Hospital of Wales.

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He has been named as Mark Lang from the Cyncoed area of the city."

• The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address when he appeared via video link during a short hearing at Cardiff Magistrates' Court. District Judge Steve Harmes told Elgifari: "You are charged with the murder of Mark Lang. You are sent to the Crown Court to appear on June 2."

Antony Clements-Thrower