TRIAL UPDATE: Havant Woman Found SMOTHERED With Tape After Boyfriend Walked Along MOTORWAY Saying 'I've Killed My Girlfriend'

A MURDER trial that has sent shockwaves through the Havant community continues at Portsmouth Crown Court this week — with the defendant refusing to even show up to face the evidence against him.

Norbert Maiksner, 48, of Timsbury Crescent, Havant, stands accused of murdering his former girlfriend Frances Obiefuleh, 45, at their home in April last year. He also faces a charge of child neglect.

The court has heard harrowing details of how Ms Obiefuleh was found dead in her own home with blue tape wrapped tightly around her face — just one day after she ended her relationship with the defendant.

'I've Killed My Girlfriend'

The jury has been told that on April 17, 2025, a traffic officer encountered Maiksner walking along a slip road of the M40 motorway near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire — some 60 miles from his Havant home.

What happened next would trigger one of the most disturbing murder investigations in recent Hampshire history.

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You will need to call the police — I've killed my girlfriend.

Bodycam footage from the traffic officer was played to the court, followed by footage of Maiksner being arrested by police. Officers then rushed to the address in Havant.

Horrific Discovery In Havant Home

When police arrived at the property in Timsbury Crescent, they were forced to enter through a window. What they found inside has been described in graphic detail to the jury.

Frances Obiefuleh's body was discovered on the floor. Blue tape had been wrapped around her face and head. A post-mortem examination concluded that her cause of death was smothering, with an element of neck and/or chest compression.

The medical evidence presented to the court described how the very sticky tape had left Ms Obiefuleh's nostrils 'almost flattened' — painting a disturbing picture of her final moments.

Doorbell Camera And 'Four Bangs'

The prosecution has built a detailed timeline of events using doorbell camera footage and witness testimony.

Doorbell camera footage showed someone entering Ms Obiefuleh's home from Maiksner's car that night. Around 15 minutes later, a neighbour reported hearing 'four consecutive bangs' from the property.

The court heard that Maiksner had been in a relationship with Ms Obiefuleh, but she had ended things the day before her body was found.

DNA Evidence 'A Billion Times More Likely'

Forensic evidence presented this week has further tightened the prosecution's case. Blood splatters found on Maiksner's clothing when he was arrested were tested for DNA.

Swabs from his t-shirt, trousers, trainers and fingernails found the DNA to be 'at least a billion times more likely' to be Ms Obiefuleh's than anyone else's. No matches were found on his jumper, hat or hands.

After Maiksner was arrested and brought to Portsmouth Police Station, officers documented a number of scratches and abrasions on his body. He was unable to explain when asked how he had received these injuries.

The prosecution has suggested these marks were inflicted by the victim while she was being attacked.

Defendant Refuses To Attend Trial

In an unusual development, Maiksner has chosen not to attend his own murder trial — a decision that the judge has permitted to stand.

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The defendant is not here. He has declined the prison transport to attend the trial in-person. He cannot be forced to do so. There is no question about his physical or mental fitness, and I am satisfied that his failure to attend is voluntary.

The judge was careful to instruct the jury that Maiksner's absence should not be held against him and is not evidence of guilt. Prison transport will remain available throughout the trial should he change his mind.

Called It A 'Bad Dream'

The court has also heard details of police interviews conducted before Maiksner was charged on April 19, 2025.

In those interviews, the defendant declined legal representation, then remained silent when questioned. At one point, he reportedly 'nodded off' during questioning. He told police he did not want to talk to them and at one stage described the situation as a 'bad dream'.

Prosecuting counsel Paul Cavin KC told the jury: 'When taken to the police station, he has neither commented on nor retracted the statement he gave.'

Trial Expected To Last Three Weeks

The trial at Portsmouth Crown Court is expected to last between two and three weeks. Maiksner, who is originally from Poland, has entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge.

For the Havant community, the case has been deeply unsettling. Timsbury Crescent is a quiet residential street where neighbours would never expect such violence to unfold.

Frances Obiefuleh, described by those who knew her as a caring woman, had her life cut short at just 45 years old. Her family and friends continue to await justice.

The trial continues.