Life Imprisonment for Lewisham Man in Tragic Domestic Abuse Case

Strategic Insights -

Shaine March, a 45-year-old Lewisham resident, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 42 years for the brutal murder of his pregnant partner, Alana Odysseos, in Walthamstow last year. March's crime was a tragic example of domestic abuse, with Alana being a vulnerable young woman who wanted to create a secure home for her two-year-old daughter. March's controlling and coercive behaviour intensified after discovering Alana's pregnancy, leading to the horrific attack.

Key Takeaways:

  • Shaine March was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 42 years for the murder of his pregnant partner, Alana Odysseos.
  • March pleaded guilty to the charge of murder at the Old Bailey on 17 October 2025 and was sentenced at the same court on 31 October.
  • Alana was a victim of appalling domestic abuse, with March's controlling and coercive behaviour intensifying after discovering her pregnancy.
  • A blood-stained knife, later confirmed to be the murder weapon, was found near the front door, while Alana's two-year-old daughter was discovered unharmed but alone in the house.
  • March was arrested shortly after police received a call from staff at a nearby cafe reporting a man covered in blood who claimed he had killed his wife and child.
  • Detective Inspector Aytac Necati described the case as a tragic example of domestic abuse, with Alana being a vulnerable young woman who wanted to create a secure home for her daughter.
  • Alana's family expressed their devastation and called for stricter sentencing for offenders of such crimes, stating that a life sentence should mean life.

Statistics:

  • 22 July 2024: Emergency calls reported a stabbing on Lynmouth Road, Walthamstow, with Alana being discovered outside her home with multiple stab wounds.
  • 4:40 a.m.: Police received a call from staff at a nearby cafe reporting a man covered in blood who claimed he had killed his wife and child.
  • 23 July 2024: Shaine March was arrested and charged with murder.
  • The Metropolitan Police reported that officers were called to the scene multiple times, with eyewitness testimony placing March at the scene before and during the attack.

Sources:

  • "Murder charge after woman fatally stabbed in Walthamstow," *The Guardian*, 23 July 2024.
  • "Man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of pregnant partner," Metropolitan Police, 31 October 2025.
  • Interview with Detective Inspector Aytac Necati, 31 October 2025.