A man who murdered Lily Sullivan, age 18, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 23 years and four months.

Lewis Haines, 31, of Flemish Court, Lamphey, Pembrokeshire, accepted murder, but his defense argued that he was not motivated by sexual gratification.

The body of Lily was discovered in Mill Pond, Pembroke, in the early morning hours of Friday, December 17, 2021.

Anna, her mother, remarked, “I miss her so badly. I will never experience serenity.

Judge Paul Thomas QC told Swansea Crown Court that Haines strangled Lily out of rage because she refused to have sexual relations with him.

He refuted Haines’ assertion that he entered the sea to rescue her.

No forensic evidence of sexual assault was present.

Judge Thomas stated that the couple met in the Pembroke nightclub Out and kissed in an alley after leaving the establishment.

A few minutes after leaving the club separately, they began conversing outside before strolling to an alley near Mill Pond.

“My suffering is awful”
Within hours, Haines returned to his residence and said to his girlfriend, “I’ve strangled someone.”

Lily sustained facial, neck, and torso injuries.

Anna, the mother of Lily, described their relationship as “sisterly” and a “very special link” in a statement delivered to the court.

“My pain is severe, and I experience other physical ailments. My panic attacks prevent me from speaking or functioning. I am terrified and overwhelmed with dread.

“I simply exist to see her again. My current life is on hold.”