Murder accused was fit to be detained, court told

Alana Odysseos, 32, died after she was stabbed 19 times

A man accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend was assessed fit to be detained and go through the criminal justice system, according to a registered mental health nurse.

Alana Odysseos, 32, who grew up in Newmarket, Suffolk, was stabbed 19 times and died outside her flat in Walthamstow, east London, on 22 July 2024.

Shaine March, 47, of Surrey Quays, south-east London, has denied murdering the mother of two but admitted manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.

Monsuru Ajadi, who assessed him after his arrest, told the Old Bailey jury: "Although he has depression, anxiety and seizures, he can still go through the criminal justice system."

At about 04:50 BST on the day of the killing, armed police officers responded to a 999 call from the owner of Creams Cafe in Walthamstow, where they arrested Mr March before taking him to Barking police station, the court heard.

The jury was shown footage from the bodycams worn by two officers standing at the door of Mr March's police cell where he was heard saying: "I took her life.

"I stabbed her multiple times with a long kitchen knife. I think the last stabbing was by the back of her shoulder blade, probably puncturing her heart."

Prosecutor Louise Oakley read statements from several witnesses to the jury describing how Mr March, while handcuffed, then assaulted another detained person by kicking him in the face, knocking three teeth out.

As Mr Ajadi, a registered mental health nurse, told the court how he had assessed the defendant, there was an outburst of swearing from Mr March, who claimed to have never seen him before.

Defence counsel Sandip Patel KC apologised to the court on behalf of his client.

'No concerns'

Mr Ajadi described Mr March on the morning of his arrest as having a calm demeanour, with normal speech and no evidence of anxiety or agitation, and that he was able to relay his own ailments and illnesses.

He noted Mr March made "informed choices" in terms of which questions he chose to respond to, and responded "next question" to those he did not want to answer.

Mr Ajadi repeatedly told the court he had "no concerns" about Mr March being interviewed, remaining in police custody or his ability to ask for help if he needed access to a GP or emergency services.

Ms Odysseos grew up with her sister Jasmine Yates, who gave evidence earlier in the trial, describing her as a "big ball of energy" who was very caring and would often "put Alexa on and try to rap to her favourite music".

Judge Mr Justice Murray advised the jury that the prosecution had closed its case and the next stage was for the defence to call any evidence that the defendant would use.

The trial continues.