A man has been charged with strangling an 18-year-old girl to death after meeting her at a nightclub.

Lewis Haines, 31, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Dec. 21, for allegedly killing Lily Sullivan, whose body was found in ponds near Pembroke Castle, Wales on Friday morning, Dec. 17, Wales Online reports.

Lily was found dead just hours after meeting Haines for the first time at The Out in Pembroke, West Wales, the court heard.

Prosecutor Michael Cray said: “On the 17th of December Lewis Haines took a lift to Pembroke and went to Paddles nightclub now known as The Out.

“While he was there he met Lily who he did not know prior to that evening.

“They are seen on CCTV in conversation at a table before they left separately.”

The pair were seen together on CCTV in a nearby lane, but there was then a “gap” in the video recording.

He said:

“Haines was later seen crossing the mill pond bridge – he was running towards Pembroke Dock. Lily was found deceased in the millpond sometime later.”

Chairman of the bench David Ellis remanded the father-of-one in custody and he will appear at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday December 23.

Flowers have been laid at the mill pond next to historic Pembroke Castle in memory of supermarket worker Lily.

The family of Lily paid tribute to the “kind and caring” daughter.

In a statement following her death they said: “Lily was a kind and caring daughter who will be deeply missed by everyone. The family are very thankful to all of Lily’s friends for their support.”

Detectives are still appealing for help from anyone who saw Lily at the Christmas festivities in the nightclub last week. The case continues.