Shana Grice Murdered by Stalker After Police Fine Her for "Wasting Their Time" by Reporting His Crimes

Michael Lane stalked his ex-girlfriend, Shana Grice, for six months before he murdered her. Grice reported him to the police on five occasions, though became reluctant to make a report after they fined her £90 for “wasting police time” on at least one occasion.

Lane dated Grice briefly when the 19-year-old split with her long-term boyfriend. A few months later, Grice rekindled her relationship with the ex and broke it off with Lane.

The stalking began almost immediately.

Grice Not Taken Seriously

Police did not take Grice’s claims seriously since Lane was an ex-boyfriend. Apparently, they do not understand domestic violence or facts like stalking usually includes other types of violence and its link to femicide.

Though, none of that matters, since a look at Lane’s criminal record would have alerted police to the habitual nature of stalking reported against the 27-year-old. At least 13 other women reported Lane for stalking -and he was arrested on charges of grooming a 14-year-old, acts that occurred within the prior three years he dated Shana.

Had police charged Lane with a felony after the first offense of stalking rather than challenge the victim’s statements, she probably would still be here with us today.

The Stalking Begins

Lane left a note on Grice’s boyfriend’s car windshield reading, “Shana will always cheat on you. Happy New Year.” He repeatedly called her phone, sent her flowers, and showed up at her home on numerous occasions. She woke up to Lane standing over her watching her sleep on one occasion. Grice called the police after Lane broke into her home. He sent her a text message reading, “I wanted to see you and I knew you wouldn’t let me in. I’m just not right in the head, otherwise, I wouldn’t do it.” Yet again police did not take her claims seriously.

Grice Murdered

Six weeks later, on August 25, 2016, Lane broke into Grice’s home a second time. As the 19-year-old slept in her bed, Lane crept upstairs and slashed her throat. He then doused her body in petrol and lit her afire. She died instantly, her body found by Ian Cooke, her boyfriend’s father.

After this heinous act, Lane left the home, changed his clothing, and drove to work.

Lane Charged With Murder

Police found CCTV footage implicating Lane in the murder. He was taken into custody at his work on the same day he killed Shana.

He told police he found Shana’s body in her home but panicked and left without dialing 999 to summon help.

Less than one year later, Lane was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 25-years.

Sussex Police announced in August 2019 they would no longer fine people for wasting police time when they report stalking/domestic violence.

Officers Disciplined for Misconduct

The same month, three officers were also disciplined for incorrect handling of the case. Two officers faced gross misconduct charges and another was accused of misconduct.

PC Trevor Godfrey was found to have committed misconduct by not investigating Grice’s complaints, but he did not commit gross misconduct, according to results from the hearing. PC Godfrey issued Grice the warning and fine for wasting police time. He retired from the force.

PC Jon Barry Mills resigned from the department on May 10, 2019, before his disciplinary hearing. He would have been fired from the department had he not resigned. Mills allegedly “failed to adequately investigate allegations of harassment and stalking.” She made a second complaint with this officer who sent a letter stating the “case was closed” a few days later. This was the last time she contacted police before her murder.

Information concerning the third officer is not available.

Case Information:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-sussex-49283730

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-sussex-49297674

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/shana-grice-murder-michael-lane-police-fine-trevor-godfrey-lewes-brighton-a9026571.html