Gainsborough man denies murder of man, 69, in Lincoln
A Gainsborough man today (Wednesday, July 24) denied the murder of a 69-year-old man in Lincoln.
John Connolly was found dead inside a house on Portland Street by police officers who were called shortly after 11.30am on June 18.
Owen Blades, 26, of Tennyson Street, Gainsborough, appeared in the dock at Lincoln Crown Court wearing a white T-shirt and grey jogging bottoms.
Mr Blades entered a not guilty plea to the murder of Mr Connolly on June 13 this year.
He also pleaded not guilty to four other charges which are alleged to have occurred on the same date.
Mr Blades denies burglary at an address in Portland Street, Lincoln; having an offensive weapon, namely a knife in Lincoln High Street; theft from a Tesco Express in Lincoln High Street; and wounding Tyler Baxter with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
The prosecution were represented by Harpreet Sandu KC and Mr Blades was represented by defence barrister Anna Soubry.
Judge Simon Hirst adjourned the case for a trial beginning at Lincoln Crown Court on 2 January next year.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
Judge Hirst remanded Mr Blades back into custody.
A pre-trial hearing will take place at Lincoln Crown Court on 24 September.
