Murder accused fails to appear in court

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Murder accused fails to appear in court28 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleTom Ingallat Sheffield Magistrates' CourtSouth Yorkshire PoliceShanice Brookes was enjoying a night out when she was shot deadA man accused of murdering an innocent bystander shot dead outside a bar has failed to appear in court due to his mental health. Mother-of-one Shanice Brookes, 30, died while on a night out at One Four One in Sheffield city centre in the early hours of Monday. Jemele Rhone, 30, of Outram Road, Sheffield, was due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates' Court earlier charged with her murder, but was not produced.

Co-defendant Deiryen Dyce, 32, of Ellesmere Road North, Sheffield, appeared in person in court charged with assisting an offender and spoke only to confirm her name and address. Both cases were sent to Sheffield Crown Court for a hearing on 1 June, and both were remanded in custody. Rhone's solicitor Rovena Zogaj said he had not been physically brought into the court because of his "mental health".

The Details

Zojag made an application that Rhone should remain in the cells, which was approved by the district judge. According to South Yorkshire Police, Rhone is also charged with possession of a firearm and possession of criminal property. Dyce is also charged with possession of ammunition, possession of drugs with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.

'Exceptional student'South Yorkshire Police said Shanice Brookes, who lived in the city, was "an innocent bystander" on a night out over the bank holiday when she was killed. She had been close to completing her degree in creative practice at Sheffield College, and also worked for a local charity, Zest. Sheffield College principal Angela Foulkes said: "On behalf of our college community, I want to express our deepest condolences to Shanice's family and friends.

"The loss of Shanice in such shocking circumstances is devastating to all who knew her and our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with them at this time. "Shanice was a vibrant and positive person whose enthusiasm for life and learning was genuinely inspiring. "Foulkes described her as "an exceptional student and talented visual creative", adding that she had "a promising future".

What Experts Say

"Shanice brought warmth, humour and energy into many situations, often lifting those around her with her positive outlook," Foulkes said. "She was a valued friend who worked well with her peers and was always willing to support others and help find solutions whenever challenges arose. "Shanice approached her studies with curiosity, determination and a constant desire to learn more and deepen her understanding.

"'Beautiful soul'Shanice had also volunteered to take photographs for Zest, a community organisation providing activities for adults and children with complex mental health needs, mobility issues and long-term health conditions. The charity called her "a truly beautiful soul who touched so many lives within our Zest family and wider community".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.