Hamilton teen charged with murdering woman

Nov 12 2009

A HAMILTON youth appeared in private at Airdrie Sheriff Court this week, charged with the murder of a Lanarkshire mum.

Shaun Paul Jenkins (16), of 10 Buchan Street, was accused of murdering 41-year-old Jeannie Smith.

He made no plea or declaration when he appeared before Sheriff John C Morris, QC.

Jenkins was remanded in custody and the case was continued for further inquiries. He will appear in court again in seven days’ time.

Jenkins was also charged with the assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement of Marie Poyner and assaulting her husband James Poyner.

Strathclyde Police revealed that two other males, aged 14 and 17, are the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal at Airdrie in connection with charges arising from the same incident.

A murder inquiry was launched following Mrs Smith’s death on October 31.

A large-scale disturbance occurred within a park area at Calderglen Court, Airdrie, at around 3.40am, continuing into nearby Oronsay Road. Emergency services were called and several people were taken to Monklands District General Hospital.

Mrs Smith, of Oronsay Road, died a short time after admission.

The others were treated for their injuries and then allowed home.

Detective Inspector John Lamb, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our enquiries so far tell us that there were at least 20 people involved in this disturbance, which resulted in the tragic death of a woman and injuries to several others.

“It is obvious that a number of people were in the area at the time of the disturbance and it is vital that these people come forward and speak to police, no matter how trivial they think their information may be.”