GUILTY UK - Louise Smith, 16, Havant, Hampshire, 8 May 2020 *Arrest*

  • #501
If there was 'a party' at relatives after all the details were confirmed them I can't say I'm too shocked or disturbed to be honest, for 2 reasons ...

1, You do you, however grief takes you is your business and absolutely no one elses.

2, This is not a family who goes to church on Sunday, works an office job Mon-Fri and plays golf on a Saturday ... they are what they are and that is absolutely fine. They aren't involved in Louise's murder and so get no shame from me. If getting drunk or off your face and playing music helps you right now then okay ... they are a dysfunctional family, they're not going to suddenly grieve in a functional, socially acceptable way.

This case reminds me of the Lucy McHugh murder.

I know that local talk might be doubtful of Shane's involvement but, from experience of being on here for years, I'm confident that police have got their man.
My Dad was loved by everyone in my little town, all the regulars at his favourite pub though he was a top bloke and in the pub maybe he was but, behind our front door was a different matter.
No one goes around casually chatting to the neighbours or even their friends about their darkest thoughts or things that might not be so socially acceptable ... like a 29 year old married bloke being attracted to a 16 year old family member - just for example.

One thing I know for sure - we'll only find out at the trial.

Excellent comment @mrazda71

I was shocked, appalled etc with the behaviour probably because I have never ran in those circles. But you are right - it's not anyone's business. That is their way to cope.

I have to agree as well about the Shane fella - who knows what goes on behind closed doors.

I guess we will have to wait to see what comes out in court.

I do hope Louise get justice
 
  • #502
It’s very difficult as the norm is to lock yourself away, cry, scream, shout, get angry but who is to say that is everyone’s norm! The mother’s side of the family are most definitely not behaving within “normal” boundaries. They have been very quiet since the new tribute page was set up and dad took over! I do believe the police have the right man, whether anyone else is arrested in the days/weeks to come we will have to wait and see. Havant police did put a post up last night to advise that they are still investigating and to ask people not to speculate. Due to Louises age there is a strong teenage following of the case and many of them don’t understand the possible consequence of the things they say and the affect it could have on the trial.
 
  • #503
It’s very difficult as the norm is to lock yourself away, cry, scream, shout, get angry but who is to say that is everyone’s norm! The mother’s side of the family are most definitely not behaving within “normal” boundaries. They have been very quiet since the new tribute page was set up and dad took over! I do believe the police have the right man, whether anyone else is arrested in the days/weeks to come we will have to wait and see. Havant police did put a post up last night to advise that they are still investigating and to ask people not to speculate. Due to Louises age there is a strong teenage following of the case and many of them don’t understand the possible consequence of the things they say and the affect it could have on the trial.

I think if you're normal way of dealing with events, big emotions and feelings is to quiet them with drugs or alcohol then that's exactly what you'd do if your child was murdered.
 
  • #504
I think if you're normal way of dealing with events, big emotions and feelings is to quiet them with drugs or alcohol then that's exactly what you'd do if your child was murdered.

I could not agree more. The summer before my mother passed from ovarian cancer I spent months getting drunk and high and buzzed. Anything to take the pain away, and that was all I knew at the time. Thankfully now I know better but it took her passing , me blowing £20,000 in 3 months and a small jail sentence before I started acting 'normal' in my grief. No one can predict how they will cope in traumatic circumstances ♡
 
  • #505
@Little Nicki - I’m sorry for your loss and glad you made it through your difficulties. Hugs.
 
  • #506
Shane Mays, 29, of Somborne Drive, Havant, was remanded in custody after an appearance at Portsmouth Crown [Magistrtates'?] Court. He is due before a judge at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday.

Man in court charged with girl's murder


I can't find him listed for tomorrow - although there are 3 Courts sitting that do not have details of the cases - - could be one of those
 
  • #507
Well this is why I can't find him for tomorrrow - he was there today



The Crown Court at Winchester

Daily Courtroom List for Monday 01 June 2020
FINAL 1

Court 8 - sitting at 02:00 pm


THE RECORDER OF WINCHESTER HIS HONOUR JUDGE CUTLER CBE



NOT BEFORE 02:00 pm
For Preliminary Hearing

T20207045 MAYS Shane

L 44PC0407020

PORTM Crown Prosecution Service


counsel via Skype - defendant to be produced
 
  • #508
Latest post from Havant police. It seems strange that they have stopped asking for any further information from the public or releasing any details about last known movements etc. Given that they are still on site it must be a very complicated forensic picture that they are trying to piece together and have most of the elements but missing a few key items? And possibly do now know how Louise ended up in The Thicket?
Havant Police.
 
  • #509
Well this is why I can't find him for tomorrrow - he was there today



The Crown Court at Winchester

Daily Courtroom List for Monday 01 June 2020
FINAL 1

Court 8 - sitting at 02:00 pm


THE RECORDER OF WINCHESTER HIS HONOUR JUDGE CUTLER CBE



NOT BEFORE 02:00 pm
For Preliminary Hearing

T20207045 MAYS Shane

L 44PC0407020

PORTM Crown Prosecution Service


counsel via Skype - defendant to be produced
Looks like it finished at 14:21. Can't find any updates. I wonder if the press missed it.

Winchester 2 T20207045
Shane Lee Mays
Details: For Preliminary Hearing - Hearing finished - 14:21

https://www.thelawpages.com/court-hearings-lists/Winchester-Crown-Court.php
 
  • #510
Good spot Alyce!
 
  • #511
Just found an update now -


Shane Mays, of Havant, appeared by videolink for a short hearing at Winchester Crown Court during which he spoke only to confirm his name.

Judge Keith Cutler adjourned the hearing for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 15 with the trial provisionally set for November 10 and remanded Mays into custody.



Man sent for trial after death of ‘smiley, generous’ 16-year-old Louise Smith
 
  • #512
Just found an update now -


Shane Mays, of Havant, appeared by videolink for a short hearing at Winchester Crown Court during which he spoke only to confirm his name.

Judge Keith Cutler adjourned the hearing for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 15 with the trial provisionally set for November 10 and remanded Mays into custody.



Man sent for trial after death of ‘smiley, generous’ 16-year-old Louise Smith

It’s strange as I saw it mentioned on the local news this morning about it being today and I thought they had it wrong! Someone then commented on one the FB groups about it being today! Never known them to change the date like that!

House to house enquiries are still ongoing and his mums house was being searched again today, police are asking specifically for dash cam footage! IMO they are really struggling to piece together how Louise got to the thicket!
 
  • #513
Just found an update now -


Shane Mays, of Havant, appeared by videolink for a short hearing at Winchester Crown Court during which he spoke only to confirm his name.

Judge Keith Cutler adjourned the hearing for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 15 with the trial provisionally set for November 10 and remanded Mays into custody.



Man sent for trial after death of ‘smiley, generous’ 16-year-old Louise Smith

Alyce I assume the provisional trial date is set just in case he pleads “not guilty”?!
 
  • #514
Alyce I assume the provisional trial date is set just in case he pleads “not guilty”?!

Yes, they always set a date.
Interesting that they are giving a date in 6 months, which is the usual length of time between crown court and trial. I had thought that New trial dates might possibly have a longer date range now, due to COVID having caused a trial backlog, but I guess the delayed trials are just being rescheduled and slotted in as and when possible.

My guess is he will plead not guilty.
 
  • #515
Yes, they always set a date.
Interesting that they are giving a date in 6 months, which is the usual length of time between crown court and trial. I had thought that New trial dates might possibly have a longer date range now, due to COVID having caused a trial backlog, but I guess the delayed trials are just being rescheduled and slotted in as and when possible.

My guess is he will plead not guilty.

Yeah I think you’re right, can’t see him holding his hands up that easily!
 
  • #516
I am on the fence about how he will plead.
I think for him to have been charged so quickly the police must have a reasonable amount of evidence . which they would have confronted him with
I also wonder whether Cjay provided evidence which destroyed any alibi he gave.
I could see him admitting to manslaughter but denying murder.
 
  • #517
I am on the fence about how he will plead.
I think for him to have been charged so quickly the police must have a reasonable amount of evidence . which they would have confronted him with
I also wonder whether Cjay provided evidence which destroyed any alibi he gave.
I could see him admitting to manslaughter but denying murder.

It’s all very well trying to get off with manslaughter in some circumstances, but I’m fairly sure “oops it was an accident” won’t fly when either a person or a body has been transported to the place where they were found . It’s not like he took her to the woods for a game of hide & seek and a picnic.
 
  • #518
Thanks for all the updates. I am on the fence too in terms of what he will plead. He may have killed her at the thicket ... I really don't think it happened in flat.
 
  • #519
Thanks for all the updates. I am on the fence too in terms of what he will plead. He may have killed her at the thicket ... I really don't think it happened in flat.

But it does beg with the question why they removed carpet from their flat?!
 
  • #520
But it does beg with the question why they removed carpet from their flat?!

Could be for dirt/ash/pollen samples left from shoes .
 

Members online

Online statistics

Members online
65
Guests online
3,305
Total visitors
3,370

Forum statistics

Threads
632,659
Messages
18,629,787
Members
243,238
Latest member
talu
Back
Top