Man accused of murdering ‘innocent bystander’ to go on trial next year

Shanice Brookes has been named as the woman who was fatally shot on Monday (South Yorkshire Police/PA) -

A 30-year-old man will go on trial in the New Year accused of murdering a mother-of-one who was shot outside a bar in Sheffield, a judge has ruled.

Jemele Rhone, of Outram Road, Sheffield, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court by videolink on Monday charged with murdering 30-year-old Shanice Brookes.

Ms Brookes was shot near the One Four One bar in West Street, in the city centre, shortly before 2.45am on bank holiday Monday.

Detectives have said “she was simply an innocent bystander”.

Rhone, who has long dark hair, appeared on a link to prison, wearing a mask and sitting behind a desk.

Court artist sketch of Jemele Rhone appearing via videolink at Sheffield Crown Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA) (PA Wire)

His co-accused, Deiryen Dyce, 32, of Ellesmere Road North, Sheffield, appeared in the dock at the court, flanked by a security guard.

Dyce is charged with assisting an offender, possession of ammunition, possession of heroin, cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property, namely £2,000.

Rhone is also charged with possession of a handgun and possession of criminal property, namely £10,000.

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC set a provisional trial date for both defendants of January 4 2027.

He said there will be another hearing on July 13.

They were remanded in custody and not asked to enter any pleas.

Shanice Brookes was fatally shot on Sheffield’s busy West Street on Bank Holiday Monday (Dave Higgens/PA) (PA Wire)

When the defendants were dealt with at magistrates court last week, prosecutors described the incident on May 25 as an “alleged street shooting” and said Ms Brookes was an “entirely innocent bystander”.

The mother of a 10-year-old boy worked as a volunteer for the Sheffield community charity Zest and was about to finish a degree at Sheffield College.

In a statement issued after her death, her family said: “She could light up every room she walked into with her infectious laugh, beautiful soul and magical aura.

“Shanice made people feel loved, safe and valued simply by being herself.

“She was truly one of a kind and she will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her.”

In another statement, Zest said Ms Brookes was “a truly beautiful soul who touched so many lives within our Zest family and wider community”.