The chilling confession began with a walk. CCTV footage captured Shaine March, seemingly unremarkable, moving through the streets of Walthamstow after a horrific act. He had murdered Alana Odysseos, his pregnant girlfriend, a crime that would unravel a history of violence and expose a system’s failings.
The evidence mounted quickly. Two haunting voice notes revealed March’s own admission of guilt, his words stark and devoid of remorse. Then, a video taken inside a police van, as he was transported into custody, showed a chillingly detached confession – a man confronting the consequences of his actions, yet seemingly unable to grasp their full weight.
March was initially sentenced to 42 years, but the case was far from closed. The sentence was deemed “unduly lenient” due to a disturbing truth: he was already on licence for another murder. In 2000, a 21-year-old March had fatally stabbed Andre Drummond, 17, in a senseless act of violence at a McDonald’s restaurant.
The Solicitor General intervened, arguing for a whole life order – a sentence that would ensure March remained behind bars for the rest of his days. Barristers presented a compelling case, highlighting the gravity of his crimes and the danger he posed to society. March’s legal team countered, claiming the original sentence was excessive, but their arguments fell on deaf ears.
The Court of Appeal delivered its verdict: the original sentence was overturned. In its place, a whole life order was imposed, guaranteeing March would never be released. Lord Justice Edis stated plainly, “The sentence was unduly lenient.” A lifetime of confinement, a finality to a cycle of violence.
Alana’s mother, Karen Cronin, spoke with raw emotion after the initial sentencing, her grief palpable. She described her daughter as “beautiful, kind, and loving,” and condemned March as “evil and a coward.” The anger, she confessed, had shattered her faith, leaving no room for forgiveness.
Her father, Alan Yates, painted a picture of Alana as a vibrant, compassionate woman whose spirit had been diminished by March’s presence. He recalled a transformation, a descent into vulnerability and fear after she entered the relationship. “I hope a sentence is given that means Shaine March will never cause another family the pain and loss we are suffering,” he pleaded.
The court heard heartbreaking statements from Alana’s sisters, each echoing the same sentiment: March was a monster. Lorraine Schofield called him an “evil, disgusting coward,” while Jasmine Yates expressed a chilling fear that he would kill again if ever released. Their words were a testament to the devastating impact of his actions.
March had initially pleaded not guilty, attempting to argue diminished responsibility. However, when expert testimony no longer supported his defense, he admitted to the murder on the seventh day of his trial. The evidence revealed a pattern of control and abuse, with March isolating Alana from her loved ones and arguing with her about her pregnancy.
In the moments before her death, Alana had desperately cried out, “Shaine stabbed me, he stabbed me. Help, help!” She died on the ground, despite the frantic efforts of police and paramedics, suffering from multiple stab wounds. March, in a chilling act of self-preservation, recorded a voice note: “Mum, I just killed a woman, and I’m going back to jail.”
The tragedy unfolded despite knowledge of March’s past. Alana was aware of his previous murder conviction, and safeguarding checks had been conducted by probation services. Yet, the system failed to protect her. The court heard that Alana had even expressed her fear, stating, “I don’t want to kill my baby.”
The original sentencing judge had considered mitigating factors, including a traumatic brain injury March suffered as a teenager. However, the Court of Appeal determined that these factors were outweighed by the severity of the crime and the aggravating circumstances – the death of an unborn child, the brutal nature of the attack, and the fact that it was witnessed by one of Alana’s other children.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves affirmed the court’s decision, stating that Alana Odysseos was a victim of “appalling violence” at the hands of a “dangerous offender.” She expressed sympathy for Alana’s family and emphasized the importance of protecting women and girls from violence. The ruling served as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression and the enduring pain of loss.
