A teenager has denied the manslaughter of a 25-year-old woman who fell to her death from a block of flats.
Jaiden Hassan-Agard, 18, appeared in court today in relation to the death of Tia Langdon, who died after plunging from the building on August 28 in Southampton.
Police were called Cuckmere Lane in the Redbridge area of the city at around 2.45pm and found Ms Langdon with severe injuries. She was airlifted to hospital but died the next day despite doctors’ efforts.
Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, Hassan-Agard, of Southampton, who identifies as mixed White and Black Caribbean, pleaded not guilty to nine charges – including manslaughter, false imprisonment, actual bodily harm, threatening with an offensive weapon, and making threats to kill Tia Langdon.
He also denied false imprisonment, threatening with an offensive weapon, making threats to kill, and kidnapping a second woman, Shannon McNeil.
The teen wore a grey Superdry shirt and tracksuit bottoms as he stood in the dock.
Prosecutor Sarah Jones told the court: ‘There will need to be a trial in this case. There is an enormous amount of material in this case.’
Judge William Mousley said: ‘You will have heard the discussions that have taken place. The trial could be heard here, but the decision on that will be made in the future.’
A provisional two-week trial has been set for April next year, likely to take place at either Southampton or Winchester Crown Court. Hassan-Agard will remain in custody until at least March 4.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: ‘As part of our enquiries, we established a man and woman had been at the address with Tia at the time, and our investigation team have been examining the circumstances that led up to Tia’s death.’
Tributes were later left outside the flats, with one message reading: ‘Thank you for being the best big sister ever. You were the smartest person I ever knew, and I’ll forever be proud of you.’
Another note said simply: ‘Beautiful girl, RIP my darling.’
