By Man charged with murdering Louise Smith appears in court
The man charged with the murder of Havant teenager Louise Smith has appeared in court for the first time today.
Louise Smith, 16, was found dead at Havant Thicket, Hampshire, on 21 May.
Shane Mays, 29, of Somborne Drive, Havant, has been charged with her murder and remanded in custody.
He appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court this morning, officers from Hampshire Constabulary said.
Louises cousin, a 29-year-old woman, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on bail.
Mr Mays is the husband of Louise Smith’s cousin.
He spoke only to confirm his name and address as he appeared before Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court this morning.
The defendant, whose wife Cjay Mays was Louise’s cousin, was charged on Thursday night after initially being arrested for kidnap.
On his indictment it states that Mays is accused of murdering Louise in Havant, Hants, on May 8, the same day she went missing.
Mays, confirmed his name, address, and date of birth.
But, when asked about his postcode he replied “I don’t know what it is”.
On Saturday night, Louise’s mother, 39 year old Rebecca Cooper, paid tribute to her daughter by posting a photograph of them together with the caption ‘so proud of my girl Louise’.
Members of the local community have been laying flowers at the entrance to the Thicket, with more than 100 bouquets by its gate.
District Judge Gary Lucie adjourned the case until Tuesday at Winchester Crown Court, Hants.
He said:
“Mr Mays you are charged with murder which cannot be dealt with here and I can’t grant you bail.
“Either way I’m going to send you to Winchester Crown Court where you will appear in front of a judge.”
The case has been adjourned until Tuesday.
Contact Gi Portsmouth
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