Murder trial date set after Spalding man's 'not guilty' plea

A Spalding man charged with murder and attempted murder has appeared at Lincoln Crown Court.

Darren Kirk, 52, died from a stab wound to the chest following an incident at a property in Cygnet Court on December 20 last year.

Wayne Rule, 45, of Cygnet Court, Spalding, entered a not guilty plea to murdering Mr Kirk.

He also denies the attempted murder of Mark Stone, who was injured on the same day at an address in Bowditch Road, Spalding.

Rule appeared at Lincoln Crown Court via a video-link from custody yesterday (Wednesday).

Wearing a grey T-shirt and jogging bottoms, Rule spoke only to confirm his name and was represented by defence barrister Bernard Richmond KC.

The prosecution were represented by Catherine Donnelly.

Judge Simon Hirst adjourned the case for a trial before a High Court Judge, Mr Justice Holgate,

The trial will take place at Lincoln Crown Court in the week beginning January 16.

A reserve date of March 13 before Mrs Justice Tipples has also been given to the defence and prosecution.

The trial is expected to last two weeks and Rule was remanded back into custody by Judge Hirst until his trial.