The mother of 19-year-old Shana Grice spoke of her loss in a victim impact statement which was read out at Lewes Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 22 March).
Sharon Grice prepared the written statement on behalf of herself and her partner Richard Green and it was read to a packed courtroom by barrister Amy Packham.
Miss Packham spoke after Michael Lane, 27, of Thornhill Rise, Portslade, was found guilty yesterday of murdering Miss Grice in her Mile Oak home last August.
The statement said:
I am Shana Grice’s mother and this is my victim impact statement in relation to her murder.
Although I have made this statement, this also relates to how my partner Richard Green, who is a father to Shana, feels.
Firstly we brought Shana up to respect authority and to always respect the law.
We firmly believe her murder could have been prevented if her fears had been listened to and taken seriously by the police
On (Thursday) 25 August 2016 our whole world came crashing down.
I received a phone call from Ashley Cooke, Shana’s boyfriend, to tell me she had not turned up for work.
I tried to phone her but there was no answer. I rushed to her home at 10 Chrisdory Road with Ashley, only to be confronted by police and emergency services and then be told that our only child had been murdered.
We instantly knew who had done this because Michael Lane had been harassing, stalking and pressurising Shana for over a year.
Shana’s life had become a nightmare which we believe affected her mental and physical health.
Shana was a beautiful, bright and bubbly, kind-natured 19-year-old who brought joy to all those who knew her and loved her.
She was very popular throughout childhood. She made friends easily and was never grumpy. She loved life and was always very enthusiastic.
She particularly enjoyed spending time with her grandparents with whom she had a very strong relationship.
R.i.p beautiful ?,my heart goes out to all family and friends ,so glad justice has been done xxxx ?