Colette Law: Man denies churchyard murder of Greenock woman

The body of Colette Law, 26, was discovered in a tent in the grounds of St Mary and St Nicolas Church in Spalding, Lincolnshire on July 17.

Paul Neilson, 30, was subsequently charged with her murder on July 23 and appeared at Lincoln Magistrates Court the following day, with the case later being sent to Lincoln Crown Court.

Colette's body was found in a tent pitched within the grounds of St Mary and St Nicolas Church (Image: Spalding Guardian)

According to local media in England, Neilson entered pleas of not guilty to murder and manslaughter charges in December and was remanded in custody.

A provisional trial date was previously set for January 22.

READ MORE: Man charged with murder of Greenock woman Colette Law

In August, an inquest into Colette’s death heard from Coroner Paul Smith that the provisional cause, pending further tests, was a head injury.

Following her passing, Colette’s parents described their much-loved daughter as 'bubbly' and 'loving', and told the Telegraph that the tragic news had left them 'numb'.

Patricia and John Law (Image: George Munro)

Mum-of-three Patricia Law said her daughter had left Greenock in April in a bid to start a new life for herself in Lincolnshire.

READ MORE: Mum speaks of heartache as daughter Colette Law lay for a week 

It is understood Colette was living in a tent within the church grounds while awaiting assistance from Lincolnshire County Council to find permanent accommodation.

Colette Law (Image: Lincolnshire Police)

Mrs Law said: “She’s got a big family up here and they’re all devastated. It’s not just us.

“I want their lasting memories to be when they last saw her, the last time they were out together, the last time they heard her singing at karaoke, the last time they heard her laugh – that infectious laugh.

“Just remember the last times, because they are the good times.”