Louise Smith murder accused's court hearing adjourned due to HMP Lewes norovirus outbreak

Shane Mays, 29, of Somborne Drive, Leigh Park, did not appear at Winchester Crown Court this morning as planned for a hearing.

But the case was re-listed to September 18 after Mays was not able to appear following a virus outbreak at HMP Lewes as he awaits trial.

‘There has been an outbreak of norovirus which was discovered yesterday afternoon which is why he couldn’t be produced,’ Daniel Sawyer, for the defence, said.

On a previous occasion at court in July, Mays 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.

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

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