Louise Smith case: Leigh Park man Shane Mays denies murdering Havant teenager

A MAN has denied murdering 16-year-old Louise Smith.
By Ben Fishwick
Published 15th Jul 2020, 10:36 BST
Updated 15th Jul 2020, 10:36 BST
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Shane Mays, 29, of Somborne Drive, Leigh Park, appeared at Winchester Crown Court this morning.He spoke only to confirm his identity and deny murdering Louise, who went missing on May 8. Her body was found 13 days later at Havant Thicket.

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22 pictures as Leigh Park comes out to pay tribute to Louise Smith

Mrs Justice May remanded Mays, of Somborne Drive, Leigh Park, into custody ahead of a hearing on October 2.

Louise Smith, 16, from HavantLouise Smith, 16, from Havant
Louise Smith, 16, from Havant
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James Newton-Price QC, prosecuting, said: 'This case concerns the murder of Louise Smith, a 16-year-old girl whose body was found in woodland near Havant.'

Hundreds of people turned out for Louise's funeral on Friday last week.

Bikers lined the route as she was taken in horse and carriage, adorned in purple, to The Oaks Crematorium.

A trial on November 10 is expected to last three weeks.

The funeral of Louise Smith was on Friday, July 10 Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-1379)The funeral of Louise Smith was on Friday, July 10 Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-1379)
The funeral of Louise Smith was on Friday, July 10 Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-1379)

Remanding Mays, Mrs Justice May said: 'The trial is currently listed for November 10, although it may move back by a week or two.'

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She added: 'It will happen at this court, the date will be confirmed in due course.'

Previously 33-year-old aunt Hannah Welstead told The News: 'It’s still very raw for all of us.

‘She was a very lovely girl – quite well-known in the Leigh Park area was always smiling, it was her best feature.