Man arrested after Colette Law’s body was found in Spalding churchyard admits perverting course of justice charge

A man who was arrested following the discovery of a woman's body in a Lincolnshire churchyard today (Tuesday) admitted a charge of perverting public justice.

The body of Colette Law, 26, who was from Greenock in Scotland, was discovered in the grounds of St Mary and St Nicolas Church in Spalding on July 17 last year.

Paul Neilson, 30, today pleaded guilty to doing an act tended or intended to pervert the course of public justice between 10 July and 18 July last year.

The charge specified that Neilson deliberately delayed or hindered the investigation into Ms Law's death by saying that had he spoken to her since 10 July and stated that she had gone to Scotland but would return soon.

Ms Laws' parents were in the public gallery to watch Neilson enter his guilty plea.

James Varley, prosecuting, said they were aware of the proceedings and asked for a little time before Neilson is sentenced.

John McNally, defending Neilson, said he would not be asking for a pre-sentence report on his client.

At an earlier hearing Neilson pleased guilty to a charge of assault by beating relating to Ms Law which occurred on 8 July 2023.

Neilson also admitted two charges of assault occasions actual bodily harm to Ms Law on 10 July last year.

Neilson, of Priory Road, Spalding, had previously denied murdering Ms Law and a charge of manslaughter relating to her death.

The Crown Prosecution Service indicated the pleas offered by Neilson were acceptable.

Neilson was remanded back into custody and will be sentenced by Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight at Lincoln Crown Court on Wednesday morning.