Man denies murdering Louise Smith

Man denies murdering Louise Smith

A Leigh Park man has denied murdering Havant teenager Louise Smith.

Shane Mays, 29, of Somborne Drive, appeared at Winchester Crown Court today (Wednesday, July 15) to plead not guilty to murdering the 16-year-old who went missing on May 8.

Her body was found 13 days later at Havant Thicket.

Crowds turned out for Louise’s funeral last week.

Mrs Justice May remanded Mays into custody ahead of a hearing on October 2.

A trial due to start on November 10 is expected to last three weeks and take place at Winchester Crown Court.

Tributes to the teenager were paid after the discovery of her body, with a statement from her family describing her as “a typical 16-year-old girl who enjoyed spending time with her friends”.

The family said she loved animals and being outdoors and continued: “She will be remembered as a smiley, generous person who loved her family and was loved by all.”

They added: “Louise had beautiful blue eyes, a cheeky smile and was known for her kindness to others. She loved animals and had a sarcastic sense of humour.”