Murder trial will start in July

A man who denies murdering another during an alleged knife attack in Spalding will go on trial in July.

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 pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Kirk at a plea and trial preparation hearing earlier this year.

He also denies the attempted murder of Mark Stone, who was injured on the same day at an address in Bowditch Road, Spalding.

Rule, 45, of Cygnet Court, Spalding, spoke only to confirm his name when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court today (Friday) for a pre-trial hearing.

Wearing a white t-shirt and trousers Rule appeared in court by video-link from custody at Lincoln Prison.

Rule, who was represented by defence barrister Daniel Darnbrough, is due to stand trial at Lincoln Crown Court on 4 July. 

The prosecution were represented by Paul Cavin QC.

His trial is expected to last three weeks.

Judge John Pini QC remanded Rule back into custody until his trial.

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