Frances Obiefuleh murder trial: Defendant told police he had killed his partner, officer tells court
A man accused of murder told police he had killed his partner before being arrested, an officer has told the court.
Norbert Maiksner, 48 from Timsbury Crescent, Havant, is on trial for the murder of 45-year-old Frances Obiefuleh and one count of child neglect. Ms Obiefuleh’s body was discovered by police at an address in Havant on April 17, 2025, with a child also in the home.
At Portsmouth Crown Court today (Wednesday, March 18), the jury was shown bodycam footage of PC Jessica Howells at the scene when the defendant was arrested.
PC Howells, of Thames Valley Police, was one of two officers involved in Maiksner’s arrest, after the 48-year-old was picked up by a traffic officer walking along the M40, near High Wycombe.
Giving evidence to the court, PC Howells said: “He [Maiksner] said that he had killed his partner the night before, then made mention of a child in the house.
“He had scratches on his face. They were fresh scratches that were very red, and there was skin hanging off them. I recall him asking about a child and if he was okay.”
In the footage, Maiksner could be seen wearing a camo baseball cap and trousers, as well as a t-shirt with the word “navy” on it. He was on the hard shoulder at the time of his arrest.
After being arrested, the defendant refused to speak with officers when they questioned him, did not instruct his solicitors and failed to enter a plea. Mr Justice Murray entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
As with previous hearings, Maiksner was neither present in-person or via video link, having refused to attend court. Mr Justice Murray has told the jury that he has the right to refuse being in court, but that the act in itself is not an admission of guilt.
However, he has been deemed mentally and physically fit to be tried, regardless of his absence.
Further evidence was given by PC Lyndsey Bradshaw of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, who went to the house where Ms Obiefuleh’s body was found.
She said: “I went to the front door - at the time I got there, there was a child stood by the door. The child said the door was locked.”
Bodycam footage showed the officers entering the property via a window, then discovering Ms Obiefuleh’s body lying in the lounge, at the bottom of the staircase.
PC Bradshaw added that the child in the house was asked if they were okay, and was checked over by medics before being taken to a police station, via McDonald’s.
Proceeding