A teenager has refuted allegations of manslaughter following the fatal fall of a 25-year-old woman from a residential building.
Tia Langdon, aged 25, sustained severe injuries in the tragic incident and succumbed to her injuries the following day after being airlifted to a hospital. Jaiden Hassan-Agard, an 18-year-old individual, made a court appearance on Wednesday in connection to her untimely demise. The young man was apprehended by the police and formally charged with manslaughter four days after the woman plunged from the flats in Southampton on August 28.
Authorities mentioned that another woman was present at the location during the time of Tia’s demise.
During a recent session at Southampton Crown Court, Hassan-Agard pleaded not guilty to nine charges, which encompassed manslaughter, false imprisonment, causing bodily harm, brandishing an offensive weapon, and issuing threats of harm towards Tia.
The teenager from Southampton also denied additional accusations of false imprisonment, threatening with a weapon, making threats to kill, and kidnapping the second woman.
Prosecutor Sarah Jones stated, “There will be a trial in this instance as there is a substantial volume of evidence to consider.”
Judge William Mousley KC remarked, “You have heard the discussions that have transpired. The trial may take place here, but a final decision will be reached in due course.”
The judge postponed the trial to a tentative start date of April 7, with a case management hearing scheduled for January 23, and remanded Hassan-Agard in custody until then.
Addressing the defendant, he said, “The trial may occur here on April 7 next year, but a decision on venue and timing will be made shortly. Any updates on dates will be provided to you. Presently, you are expected back for a subsequent hearing on January 23.”
Hampshire Constabulary reported, “As part of our investigation, we identified a man and a woman present with Tia at the residence, and our team is scrutinizing the events leading to Tia’s demise.”
At the time of Tia’s passing, a spokesperson from Hampshire Police mentioned, “Tia’s family is receiving specialized support from our officers. Our Major Crime Unit is actively investigating the incident.”
