Holbeach man accused of intentional strangulation faces trial

A Holbeach man will go on trial in September after he denied a charge of intentional strangulation following an incident in Whaplode.

David Francois-Barnshaw, 48, pleaded not guilty to three offences when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court today (Tuesday, May 20).

Mr Francois-Barnshaw denied a charge of intentional strangulation which is alleged to have occurred on Easter Sunday (April 20) this year.

He also pleaded not guilty to a charge of battery against the same woman and a third count of damaging her car.

Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight adjourned those matters for a two day trial beginning at Lincoln Crown Court on September 30.

The court heard Mr Francois-Barnshaw, of Balmoral Way, Holbeach, indicated guilty pleas to four other offences when he appeared at Magistrates’ Court.

They are criminal damage to a bedroom door, driving without due care and attention, possessing a bladed article in a public place and failing to provide a specimen.

He will be sentenced for those matters at the conclusion of his trial.

Mr Francois-Barnshaw was remanded into custody by Judge Sjolin Knight.

He will next appear at Lincoln Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing on July 11.

Police previously said they were called  to an incident at Sandringham Close in Whaplode at 10.11pm on Sunday, April 20.

A second call to police was made six minutes later following a non-injury road traffic collision on Mill Lane in the village.

more >

Jail time for sex offences

23 Jun 2025

Wheelie bins on their way?

23 Jun 2025

Man denies threatening to burn down woman’s home

20 Jun 2025

Cleaning of Spalding’s Abbey Passage underway after homeless people accommodated

19 Jun 2025

Road closures announced for £215k work on Spalding’s Winsover Road crossing

18 Jun 2025

‘Blitz spirit is still alive in Spalding’

18 Jun 2025