Man denies fatal shooting of 'innocent bystander'

A man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a mother-of-one who was shot dead outside a bar in Sheffield.

Jemele Rhone, 30, is charged with killing Shanice Brookes, who was shot near to the One Four One in West Street in the early hours of 25 May.

Brookes, 30, was described by South Yorkshire Police as an "innocent bystander".

Rhone, of Outram Road, Sheffield, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty to her murder. He also denied wounding another person with intent, and possessing criminal cash, but pleaded guilty to possessing a handgun.

Attending via videolink from prison, Rhone wore a face mask, which he was asked to remove when he confirmed his name and gave his pleas to the charges.

Rhone's co-defendant, Deiryen Dyce, 32, of Ellesmere Road North, Sheffield, also appeared in court on Monday to deny charges of assisting an offender, possession of ammunition, possession of cannabis, cocaine and crack cocaine, possessing criminal property, namely a quantity of cash, and possessing diamorphine with intent to supply.

A trial date has been set for 18 January 2027.

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