Louise Smith trial: Murder accused Shane Mays to give evidence in court next week

Shane Mays has been charged with the murder of Louise Smith, 16 from Leigh Park.

Mays, 30 from Somborne Drive, Leigh Park, denies murder but has admitted manslaughter.

Louise went missing on Friday, May 8, with her body being found 13 days later.

Evidence given today at Winchester Crown Court showed Louise likely died on that day, the prosecution argues.

Now, the court has confirmed that Mays is due to take to the stand himself on Tuesday next week.

It comes after police officers and scientific experts have given evidence over the past few days.

Appearing in court on Wednesday, forensic scientist Martin Crooks told the court that a piece of fabric was found on Louise’s body, along with part of a cigarette lighter.

He said: ‘Once the body had been removed we took various soil samples and a piece of moss that was underneath the body, as well as a piece of fabric.

‘The clothing would form a fuel source but the outdoor conditions, and that the body is 60 per cent water, makes it difficult to burn a body.

‘I think it’s probable that an accelerant was used at some point.’

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The lighter found at the scene was compared to one found at Ringwood House, where Mays lived. These did not match one another.

Veteran pathologist Dr Basil Purdue also gave evidence.

He attended the scene when police found Louise’s body, and also carried out the autopsy – which was complicated by the defiling and significant burning of her body.

Dr Purdue said: ‘It’s not possible to give an anatomical cause of death. The degree of destruction was so great that it was impossible to see if injuries were inflicted before or after her death.’

He added that with sticks placed on top of her body, it’s likely that she was placed under a bonfire-like structure.

On Monday next week, the jury will visit some of the crime scenes, such as the area in Havant Thicket where Louise’s body was found and Ringwood House, where she lived with Shane Mays and his wife Chazlynn.

It is unknown if Mays will go with them at this time.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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