The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A man charged with the murder of a woman found dead in the grounds of a Spalding church has this morning (Monday) appeared before Lincoln Magistrates Court .
Paul Neilson, 30, who gave a postal address of Priory Road, Spalding, is charged with the murder of 26-year-old Colette Law on July 10.
The body of Colette, from Greenock in Scotland, was found in a tent seven days later on Monday July 17 in the grounds of St Mary and St Nicolas Church, Spalding.
Neilson was charged with murder by Lincolnshire Police on July 23.
Wearing a grey top and grey jogging bottoms, Neilson this morning appeared in a glass panelled dock at Lincoln Magistrates Court. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
Daniel Pietryka, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, asked for the case to be sent to Lincoln Crown Court.
Neilson, who was represented by Beris Brickles, entered no plea and there was no bail application.
District Judge Peter Veits sent the case to Lincoln Crown Court where Neilson will appear on Tuesday July 25, and he was remanded back into custody.
District Judge Veits told Neilson: “This case has to be sent to Crown Court.”
Following the discovery of Colette’s body a Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said the Force was liaising with Police Scotland.
Detective Inspector Richard Nethercott, said: “We send our condolences to the family and friends of Colette, they are very much in our thoughts as we carry out our investigation.
“I know this tragic death will be unsettling. We are working hard to investigate the full circumstances to understand how Colette has died.”
“I would like to thank the local community for their help so far, and appeal for anyone who has any information that will assist our investigation to get in touch.
“I would also like anyone who has seen Colette Law between 12 July and 17 July to contact us so we can build a picture of her movements the days before she sadly died.”
