Man Jailed For Killed Rotherham Teen

5 March 2018, 12:34 | Updated: 5 March 2018, 12:36

Shea Heeley

A man who murdered a 16-year-old girl, stabbing her 28 times, has been jailed

Leonne Weeks's body was found hidden under a sofa on a pathway in Dinnington, near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in January last year.

She had died from multiple stab wounds to her head and upper body, police said.

Shea Peter Heeley, 19, of Doe Quarry Lane, Dinnington, was charged with murder and admitted the offence last month, he'll spend at least 24 and a half years behind bars.

The court heard how, after his arrest, he said he had always known that he would kill someone and later told staff in a secure mental hospital: 

'I like that I have done it, I just do. I like killing.'

After that hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Martin Tate, the senior investigating officer, said: 

'Leonne was a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her.

'Heeley selfishly and violently took that away, leaving a family without a daughter, a sister and a friend.

'I'm pleased that the family have not had to endure a trial and that he has today admitted his guilt.'

Mr Tate added: "My thoughts are with Leonne's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time and I'd like to praise them for the strength they have shown and continue to show throughout this process."

After Leonne's murder, her family released a statement which said: "We are devastated at the loss of our beautiful daughter and sister Leonne.

"She was very much loved and will be missed by all of us."

Heeley, who is in custody, will be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court by Judge Paul Watson QC.