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.
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