June 6, 2022 11.15 am This story is over 20 months old

Spalding murder accused appears in court ahead of trial

He allegedly murdered a man just before Christmas

A man who denies murdering another man during an alleged knife attack in Spalding has today (Monday) appeared at Lincoln Crown Court.

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

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

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

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

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.