THE girlfriend of one of the men accused of killing a man in a Southampton flat became suspicious he was dealing drugs shortly before their arrest, a court heard.

Rachel Kenehan, a lecturer in sociology and psychology at the London Metropolitan University, described how Pierre Lewis, who is accused of murdering Jahmel Jones along with three others at a flat in St Mary's Street, was spending more time in Southampton in the weeks leading up to April 20 last year - the day the fatal shooting took place.

The 35-year-old, of Hewlett road, London, told Jurors at Winchester Crown Court she first met Lewis while he was in custody at Ashfield young offenders prison in November 2010 as part of her university phd.

She eventually became his mentor following his release and started a relationship with him in November 2012, she told the court.

She said she "wrestled with her conscience" before starting the relationship.

But Kenehan, who is charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, assisting an offender, and perverting the court of justice, denied any involvement in Lewis' drug dealing in Southampton.

She said: "I told him if you are doing this for me the I want you stop. I certainly don't need you to do this for me and that's all I said to him.

"I don't know why anyone would want someone they love to do something so negative.

"I felt sad he needed to do that and I felt scared of the consequences of him doing that."

Kenehan told the court Lewis was worried he couldn't provide for her financially.

She said: "I was not part of any conspiracy and not are I provided any support."

Lewis, 20, of Barnes, is jointly charged with the murder of Mr Jones along with Jemmikai Orlebar-Forbes, 20, of Cloudsdale Road, London, and Isaac Boateng, 22, of Hounslow.

They all deny the charge but have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Proceeding.