Murder trial set for January

A Spalding man charged with murder and attempted murder will provisionally go on trial in January next year.

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

Wayne Rule, 45, of Cygnet Court, Spalding, has 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 was due to stand trial at Lincoln Crown Court on 4 July.

However that trial date was vacated after it was not ready to start.

Rule, who was wearing a grey t-shirt and jogging bottoms, today (Fri) attended a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court to fix a new trial date.

He spoke only to confirm his name and was represented by defence barrister Bernard Richmond KC.

The prosecution were represented by Edward Franklin.

Judge Simon Hirst adjourned the case for a provisional trial date at Lincoln Crown Court in the week beginning 16 January.

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

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Rule was remanded back into custody until his next court appearance.

more >

Jail for Spalding shopkeeper possessing more than 77,000 illegal cigarettes

15 Jul 2025

Spalding man accused of attempting to kidnap ‘girlfriend’s’ husband

15 Jul 2025

Spalding’s Winsover Road closed around railway crossing

11 Jul 2025

HMOs plan for historic Long Sutton buildings refused

9 Jul 2025

Badges of honour

9 Jul 2025

No NHS dentists for adults in Holbeach

9 Jul 2025