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 >

Opposition councillors push back on plan for booking system at tips, but county council holds firm

18 Sep 2026

Man previously convicted of attempted murder jailed for hitting woman with metal bar

18 Sep 2026

Woman cleared of involvement in assault conspiracy that ended in partner’s death – man admits role after jury failed to deliver verdict

17 Sep 2026

Police officer injured in one collision and man arrested for dangerous driving in another

17 Sep 2026

Approval for new A16 supermarket?

16 Sep 2026

Road to open by end of the month

16 Sep 2026