Woman sentenced to a minimum of 23years in prison for the murder of Frankie Fitzgerald in Havant

A woman has been sentenced to a minimum of 23 years in prison for the murder of 25-year-old Frankie Fitzgerald in Havant.

The body of Frankie, who has been described as ‘a shining light’ by his family, was discovered by police at a house on Botley Drive on Sunday 17 July 2022.

The court heard how officers were called to the address following a report that a man was believed to be seriously injured within the property.

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

Shaye Groves, 27, of Botley Drive, was found guilty of murder by a jury on Friday 17 February following a five-week trial at Winchester Crown Court.

She had previously denied the charge.

Today (Wednesday 22 February), Groves was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 23 years in prison.

Following the guilty 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: “This was a shocking and sustained attack which tragically resulted in Frankie’s death.

“We are pleased with today’s sentence and that Groves will now spend a considerable length of time in prison for what she has done.

“As always, our thoughts first and foremost remain with Frankie’s family, friends and loved ones. I would like to praise their courage and hope that this sentence helps them to begin to move forward, despite knowing that nothing can fill the void left in their family by the loss of 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 and that Groves has been brought to justice 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://orlo.uk/LugVs

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