At Chijos News, we report stories of justice with care, context, and a clear focus on how they affect real lives, especially within diaspora communities where issues like domestic abuse, safety, and access to support are often under-discussed. Behind every headline is a human story, and our responsibility is to tell it in a way that informs, respects victims, and raises awareness about the realities many people quietly face.
A London man convicted of murdering his former partner has had his sentence increased to a Whole Life Order, meaning he will never be released from prison.
Shaine March, from Surrey Quays, was originally sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 42 years after being found guilty of the murder of Alana Odysseos. However, following a review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the case was referred to the Court of Appeal, which has now imposed the most severe sentence available under UK law.
The decision comes after the court examined the full extent of the violence and the history behind the relationship.
March and Alana had been involved in what was described as a short but deeply abusive relationship. Evidence presented in court showed a pattern of controlling and violent behaviour. He monitored her movements, demanded constant communication, and had previously destroyed her children’s belongings. In one incident, he smashed a glass into her face.
In the early hours of 22 July 2024, Alana was found in Walthamstow, East London, with multiple stab wounds. Despite her injuries, she was able to identify March as her attacker before she died at the scene.
That moment has stayed with many who followed the case. A woman, a mother, using her final strength to name the person responsible.
After his arrest, March admitted to the attack and told police he felt no regret. The court also heard that in the hours leading up to the killing, there had been an argument linked to his demand that Alana have an abortion. The night before her death, she had messaged her sister expressing concern about the relationship, a message that now reads as a warning that came too late.
For many, particularly within diaspora communities where conversations around domestic abuse can be difficult or silenced, this case reflects a painful reality. Abuse often escalates behind closed doors, moving from control to violence in ways that are not always immediately visible to others.
What made this case even more serious in the eyes of the court was March’s history. He had previously been convicted of murder in 2000 and had served a lengthy prison sentence. After his release, he was recalled to prison again in 2013 for assaulting a pregnant partner.
This pattern of repeated, serious violence played a key role in the Court of Appeal’s decision. Judges concluded that the original sentence did not fully reflect the danger he posed to the public.
The case was referred by Ellie Reeves, the Solicitor General, who argued that the sentence should be reconsidered. Following the appeal, the court imposed a Whole Life Order, ensuring that March will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of release.
In response, Reeves described the killing as an appalling act of violence and emphasised the importance of protecting women and girls from harm. She also paid tribute to Alana, describing her as a loving mother whose life was taken far too soon.
For Alana’s family, especially her children, the sentence cannot undo the loss. What it does represent is a recognition of the severity of the crime and the lasting impact it has left behind.
Beyond the courtroom, the case raises urgent questions about how abuse is identified, addressed, and prevented. Many victims experience warning signs long before violence reaches its most extreme form. Control, intimidation, and isolation are often part of a pattern that escalates over time.
For those in diaspora communities, these issues can be even more complex. Cultural expectations, fear of stigma, and concerns about immigration or financial stability can make it harder for victims to speak out or seek help.
This is why awareness matters. Recognising the signs of abuse, listening to concerns when they are raised, and supporting those who may be at risk can make a difference.
The decision by the Court of Appeal sends a strong message about accountability. It reinforces that repeated violence and the exploitation of vulnerable partners will be met with the most serious consequences available under the law.
At Chijos News, we tell these stories not just to report what happened, but to highlight the realities behind them. Because understanding these issues is part of preventing them, and every story told with honesty brings us closer to that goal.