A MAN charged with the murder of Lily Sullivan on December 17, has appeared at Swansea Crown Court this morning (Jan 14) for the second time.
Lewis Haines, 34, of Flemish Court, Lamphey, is accused of murdering 18-year-old Lily Sullivan on December 17, after police discovered her life-less body at the Mill Pond, Pembroke.
Haines last appeared at Crown court on December 23. No plea was given to the charge and the defendant was remanded into custody.
It has been confirmed that a psychiatric report on the defendant will be prepared before the trial, after claims Haines suffers with mental health issues.
The court heard how Lily had met Haines for the first time at local nightclub Out, in Pembroke, on the evening of December 16, where they chatted and left the premises separately.
However once outside the premises CCTV shows the pair heading down an alleyway towards the Mill Pond together.
Haines was next picked up on CCTV leaving the area alone and crossing the bridge heading towards Pembroke Dock area.
Lily’s body was discovered at the Mill Pond, Pembroke, on the morning of December, 17.
An inquest into the death of Lily Sullivan was opened and adjourned this week, while the criminal investigation continues.
At 4:12am on Friday, December 18, police were called to the Mill Pond area after receiving reports of a female in the water, the inquest heard.
Lisa Jenkins, the coroner officer, said that despite attempts by paramedics to resuscitate her, Lily was pronounced dead at 6.02am.
Haines’ defence lawyer told the court “It is not disputed that the defendant was the last person with the deceased or that some force was used against her.”
However they added that “There is an issue of drowning to consider”.
Haines’ lawyer suggested to the court that the defence will pursue the possibility of whether manslaughter is the appropriate alternative.
No official plea has been entered by the defendant.
Haines will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on May 16 for a pre-trial hearing.
The official trial is expected to start on June 13.
