Lewisham man jailed for life for murder of pregnant partner

A man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 42 years after killing his pregnant partner in a brutal knife attack outside their home in Walthamstow last year.

Shaine March, 45 (02.09.1978) of Rainsborough Avenue, Lewisham, pleaded guilty to the murder of 32-year-old Alana Odysseos at the Old Bailey on Friday, 17 October.

He was sentenced on Friday, 31 October, at the same court.

Detective Inspector Aytac Necati, who led the investigation, said:

“Alana was a victim of appalling domestic abuse. She was a vulnerable young woman who only ever wanted to be loved and create a secure family environment for her daughter before her life was cruelly taken by March.

“Alana had also recently found out she was pregnant, something March was unhappy with. This led to an escalation in the controlling and coercive behaviour Alana endured during their short relationship.

“March is a cowardly individual, who has shown absolutely no remorse for Alana or her family. I hope this lengthy sentence will provide loved ones with some comfort, knowing March is rightly facing the consequences of his actions.

“This case shows the devastating impact domestic abuse has on victim-survivors, families and communities. I urge anyone who experiences domestic abuse or controlling behaviour to report it to police. Our officers will listen and will support you.”

In a statement, the victim's family said:

"All of our lives have been drastically changed by the actions of this individual.

"This should never have been allowed to happen. A life sentence should mean life, with no parole or time off for good behaviour.

"Because of this, Alana’s daughter will never experience the milestones of a mother-daughter existence, she will never have her mother watch her in a school play, to see her go to a school prom, to shed tears at her wedding, or get to see her mother cuddling and loving her grandchildren.

"We would like to thank the police and CPS team for their hard, diligent work in bringing this person to justice, and reaffirming our hope, trust and belief in the judiciary system.

"We, as a family, would now like to grieve in private, and hope that this wish is fulfilled."

On Monday, 22 July, police received numerous 999 calls after Alana was found outside her home address on Lynmouth Road with multiple stab wounds.

Officers arrived alongside the London Ambulance Service, but despite their best efforts, Alana sadly died at the scene from her injuries.

Shortly before 23:00hrs on the evening of her death, neighbours recalled hearing an argument between Alana and her partner, Shaine March, before she later emerged from the property holding her side and shouting “Shaine stabbed me” before collapsing.

While administering first aid with an ambulance on route, March was seen leaving the house and fled the scene.

A blood-stained knife was found by officers near the front door of Alana’s home - later identified as the one used in the attack - and upon entering, they found her two-year-old daughter inside.

A search for March began, and at around 04:40hrs, police received a call from staff at a nearby café reporting a man inside covered in blood and claiming he had just killed his wife and child. March was arrested a short time later.

CCTV evidence and witness statements were crucial in proving March had been in the house leading up to the attack and was ultimately responsible for Alana’s death, and in the early hours of Tuesday, 23 July, he was charged with Alana’s murder.