Father of one in court accused of club girl’s killing
A VILLAGE cricketer appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of a teenager he met in a nightclub.
Lewis Haines, 31, is alleged to have strangled Lily Sullivan before dumping her body in a pond at a beauty spot.
Miss Sullivan, 18, was found dead just hours after meeting Haines at The Out nightclub in Pembroke, West Wales, the court heard.
Michael Cray, prosecuting, said: ‘On the 17th of December Lewis Haines took a lift to Pembroke and went to Paddles nightclub, now known as The Out.
‘While he was there he met Lily, who he did not know prior to that evening.’
Haines, who was dressed in a grey sweatshirt, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the fiveminute hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court yesterday.
He made no formal plea and his lawyer did not address the court. Chairman of the bench David Ellis remanded him in custody and he will appear at Swansea Crown Court tomorrow. Father of one Haines, of Lamphey, near Pembroke, is a scaffolder and plays as wicketkeeper for the village’s cricket club.
Flowers were left at the mill pond next to historic Pembroke Castle in memory of Miss Sullivan, a supermarket worker.
A family statement said: ‘Lily was a kind and caring daughter who will be deeply missed by everyone. The family are very thankful to all
‘Sweet and lovely young woman’
of Lily’s friends for their support.’ Detectives have appealed for help from anyone who saw the teenager during the Christmas festivities at the nightclub last week.
Miss Sullivan’s mother Anna was said to be ‘devastated’ at the death of her only child a week before Christmas.
Family friend Byron John said: ‘Lily was a sweet and lovely young woman, well spoken and very grown up for her years.
‘She had the whole of her life in front of her. It’s just terrible. Her mother Anna doted on her, she was an only child and they were very close.’
Miss Sullivan, originally from Llanelli, near Swansea, was a gifted horsewoman and grew up with a love for ponies and the countryside. Police have issued a picture of her taken on the night she was last seen alive.
The teenager was wearing a white cropped top, blue jeans with ripped knees, a white belt and black patent boots. She had a spider tattoo on her chest and her black hair was bleached at the front.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman said: ‘Lily’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this incredibly hard time.’
He added: ‘The investigation team is grateful for the support of the community while inquiries were conducted.’