Woman found guilty of the murder of Frankie Fitzgerald in Havant

A woman has been found guilty of the murder of Frankie Fitzgerald in Havant.

Shaye Groves, 27, of Botley Drive, Havant, was convicted following a five-week trial at Winchester Crown Court.

She had previously denied the charge.

Officers were called to a house in Botley Drive, Havant, in the early hours of Sunday 17 July.

The body of 25-year-old Frankie Fitzgerald was found inside the address.

A post-mortem found that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds.

Today (Friday, 17 February), Groves was found guilty of murder by a jury. She will be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, 22 February.

Following the verdict, Frankie Fitzgerald’s family made the following statement: “As a parent you never expect to outlive your children, you will do anything in your power to protect them. Frankie was our baby, the youngest of five children he can never be replaced. He was a kind and beautiful person and sadly leaves two children behind that will never get to know their daddy. We thank the jury for their verdict today. To our Frankie, we love and miss you more than anything in this world. Your shining light will always be our hearts”.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Burton, Senior Investigating Officer in the case, said: “Our thoughts, first and foremost, are with the family of Frankie Fitzgerald.

“I would like to praise their courage and hope that today’s verdict brings them some small relief, despite knowing that nothing can fill the void left in their family by the loss of Frankie. I hope that the sentence Groves receives in due course provides them with reassurance that justice has been secured for Frankie.

“We will do everything we can to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for such horrific crimes, the details disclosed in court were distressing for all to hear. I’m pleased that the jury has reached this verdict following tireless work from our local policing teams, detectives, specialist teams and the Crown Prosecution service.

“I would encourage any victim of domestic abuse to find the courage to come forward and tell us about it.”

For more information about how you can seek independent support, and the ways in which you can report domestic abuse, visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/

In the event of an emergency or if someone is in danger, dial 999.