Louise Smith murder: ‘Life should mean life’ say Leigh Park residents
PEOPLE in the Leigh Park community have told of their anger at killer Shane Mays’ prison sentence not being increased.
The killer was sentenced to life with a minimum of 25 years following the brutal murder of 16-year-old Louise Smith in May last year.
The News spoke to people in the community after judges at the Court of Appeal rejected a bid to increase the minimum term.
Joanne Logan, 51, who said she lived close to where Louise’s burnt body was discovered in Havant Thicket, said: ‘In this case I think life should mean life.
‘He knowingly took this young girl’s life and so should spend the rest of his behind bars.
‘The family need some closure that he will not be allowed out.’
Linda Goldroom, 68, added: ‘I agree with the family that the sentence should be increased.
‘Life should mean life and the family will be devastated this is not the case - Louise was their child. I’m disappointed for the girl and her family.’
Solicitor general Michael Ellis QC referred May’s sentence to the Court of Appeal after saying the term was ‘unduly lenient’ and ‘too low’.
It’s a sentiment shared by Glen Childs, 47, who said: ‘I read details of the case and what he did to the girl, and in this case life should mean life.
‘He could by released by the age of 55 and will still have a good chunk of his life ahead of him - unlike Louise.
‘In this case 25 years is too lenient.’
Former naval serviceman Philip Cowlin, 77, agreed. He added: ‘I feel really sorry for the family - he should have been given longer. Twenty five years is not long enough. He should have been given life and when I say life I mean life.’
One resident, who did not want to be named, said he knew Louise’s family.
He added: ‘It’s absolutely disgusting what he did. The whole community is disgusted. Hopefully he never gets out.’