Man Jailed for Life Over Murder of Teen Louise Smith
A 30-year-old man has been locked up for life with a minimum 25-year stretch for the shocking murder of 16-year-old Louise Smith from Leigh Park.
Louise’s Tragic Death Shocks Community
Louise, remembered as “smiley and generous” by family and friends, was reported missing on Friday 8 May. Her body was found 13 days later in woodland at Havant Thicket after a major police search.
Shane Lee Mays Arrested and Charged
Hampshire Police arrested 30-year-old Shane Lee Mays, from Somborne Drive in Leigh Park, charging him with Louise’s murder. Though Mays admitted some involvement and pled guilty to manslaughter, he denied murder. The case went to trial at Winchester Crown Court in November.
Jury Convicts Mays of Murder
After just two hours of deliberation, the jury handed down a unanimous guilty verdict for murder on Tuesday 8 December.
“Every crime of murder not only ends one life, but grievously harms others,” said Mrs Justice Juliet May at sentencing. “Shane Mays was in a position of trust… like a father-daughter relationship. In killing Louise, he committed the most gross abuse of that trust.”
Detective Slams Mays’ Lack of Remorse
Detective Inspector Adam Edwards, lead investigator, branded the attack “shocking” on a vulnerable girl and condemned Mays’ lies throughout the case.
“Mays has shown no remorse and tried to shift blame. I’m glad the jury saw through that,” said DI Edwards. “He will now spend a long time behind bars. Our thoughts remain with Louise’s family and friends.”
The verdict ends a heart-breaking chapter for the community still mourning Louise’s brutal loss.
