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.

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