Three removed from court gallery as woman faces Gainsborough murder charges

A 51-year-old woman accused of murdering a Gainsborough man has this morning appeared before Lincoln Magistrates’ Court.

Pamela Mclaggan, who is understood to have been the victim’s partner, is charged with the murder of 44-year-old Jonathan Baines on August 1 this year.

The body of Mr Baines, known to his friends as ‘Willy’, was found at a semi detached house in Ropery Road, Gainsborough, during the early hours of Monday. Police said he had suffered a stab wound.

Lincolnshire Police charged Mclaggan, of Greystones Road, Gainsborough, with the murder of Mr Baines, of Ropery Road, Gainsborough, on Tuesday evening. A male who was also arrested was released without charge.

Police on Ropery Road in Gainsborough following the discovery of the body. Photo: The Lincolnite

Mclaggan, on the morning of Wednesday, August 3, appeared in a glass paneled dock at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court flanked by security officers and wearing a white top and blue shirt.

She spoke only to confirm her date of birth, address and that she understood the murder charge that she faces.

The prosecution were represented by Bernie McGurk and Mclaggan was represented by David Grant.

There was no application for bail and magistrates adjourned the case for Mclaggan to appear before Judge Michael Heath at Lincoln Crown Court this afternoon.

At the end of the two minute hearing security staff had to remove three women who left the public gallery.

Members of Mr Baines’ family were also in the public gallery.

Mclaggan was remanded in to custody until she appears at Crown Court.

Following the discovery of Mr Baines’ body police appealed for any witnesses who had seen him drinking in Gainsborough following his return from Market Rasen races on Sunday afternoon.

Detective Inspector Jim Hodgson, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “We would like to thank the local residents who assisted our appeal, your information was extremely valuable and has helped us to resolve this investigation quickly.

“This was an isolated incident and we are continuing to support the family of Jonathan.”