Shaine March Given Whole-Life Order After Pregnant Girlfriend's Murder Sentence Upgraded

In Brief

The Court of Appeal increased Shaine March's sentence to a whole-life order after ruling his previous term too lenient under the Unduly Lenient Sen...

Key Facts

• Shaine March fatally stabbed Alana Odysseos, who was in the early stages of pregnancy, after being released on licence for a previous murder.
• The Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme allows sentences to be referred to the Court of Appeal for review.
• March was initially given a 42-year sentence, which was later ruled too lenient and upgraded to a whole-life order.
• Alana Odysseos was 32 years old and pregnant with her third child at the time of her death.
• The case involved March stabbing Odysseos 23 times in her home.

What Happened

Shaine March, previously convicted of murder, killed his pregnant girlfriend Alana Odysseos. After review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme, his sentence was increased to a whole-life order by the Court of Appeal.

Why It Matters

The case highlights the use of the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme to review and increase sentences deemed insufficient, and raises questions about the management of offenders released on licence.

What's Next

March will serve a whole-life order with no possibility of parole. The case may prompt further scrutiny of sentencing practices and parole decisions for serious offenders.