News

Lily Sullivan killer Lewis Haines in court for two day sentencing hearing

Published

4 years ago

August 22, 2022

Tom Sinclair

Lewis Haines, who murdered Lily Sullivan is in Swansea Crown Court being sentenced.

The 31-year-old has already admitted killing Lily, 18, after meeting her on a night out in Pembroke.

Lily was seen partying with friends and enjoying herself just hours before her death. She was found dead and in a “state of undress” in Mill Pond, Pembroke, close to the town’s castle, at 4am on December 17 last year.

Dad-of-one Haines is due to be sentenced for murder next month. However, ahead of that hearing, legal arguments regarding the case were heard at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, July 28.

Prosecutors believe the attack was sexually motivated as Lily had clothing stripped from her body before she was dumped in the pond. But Haines vehemently denies this point – which could see the minimum starting point of his life sentence doubled from 15 years to 30 years.

Forensic scientists and Haines himself are set to give evidence during a two-day hearing next month before he can be sentenced. Judge Paul Thomas QC told him: “The issue is whether there was a sexual element which will be decided on the 22 and 23 of August.”

John Hipkin QC defending told a previous hearing: “There are some matters about the issue of undress which we would need a little more information about. They have become more significant now than they have been previously.”

After leaving Lily’s body in the water, Haines ran off before being arrested hours later. Haines and Lily had met in nightclub Paddles before they left the club separately and met in a lane near the club. An inquest previously heard Lily had been strangled before she was left in the pond. Haines, dressed in a navy suit and white shirt, did not speak during the hearing.
In tribute, following her death, Lily’s family said: “Lily was a kind and caring daughter who will be deeply missed by everyone.

“The family are very thankful to all of Lily’s friends for their support.”

Judge Paul Thomas QC is presiding over the two-day sentencing hearing, with John Hipkin QC representing Haines and William Hughes QC representing the prosecution.

Lily’s family made an emotional tribute to Lily days after her body was found. The family said in a statement released by the police: “Lily was a kind and caring daughter who will be deeply missed by everyone. The family are very thankful to all of Lily’s friends for their support.”

On the night in question Haines met Lily at a nightclub. CCTV footage showed the pair in an alleyway beside the club – this was the last time Lily was seen.
Lily arrived before Haines with a group of friends.
When Haines arrived, he went over to Lily’s group and it is said by witnesses Haines was attempting to chat-up Lily.

Judge Paul Thomas QC will be presiding over proceedings today, with John Hipkin QC representing Haines and William Hughes QC representing the prosecution.

MORE TO FOLLOW

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

10 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.