POLICE have paid tribute to a ‘beautiful young woman’ from Greenock who was found dead in a tent in a churchyard a year ago after being assaulted by her partner days before her passing.

Lincolnshire Police have reached out to the public to raise awareness about the support available for those dealing with domestic abuse in memory of Colette Law, who was found dead in Spalding on July 17, 2023.

The 26-year-old, who was originally from Greenock, was found in the grounds of St Mary and St Nicholas Church, where she and Paul Neilson, 31, had been living in the months leading up to her death as they waited for assistance from the local council for finding accommodation.

READ MORE: Colette Law's parents remember 'life and soul' of family

Neilson was earlier this year sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty at Lincolnshire Crown Court to three assaults on Colette and perverting the course of justice by delaying the discovery of her body.

The court heard that the delay in finding Colette’s body meant pathologists could not establish the exact cause of death.

In a statement, Lincolnshire Police said: “We will never know exactly what happened to Colette.

“It’s been a year since her body was found in church grounds in Spalding, on 17 July 2023.

“Due to the delay in finding her, an exact cause of death could not be established.

“But we do know this: Colette, in the last days of her life, was assaulted three times by a man who then went on to cover up her death with lies and deceit.

“Her body lay undiscovered in a tent for a week. She was 26 years old.”

The police force highlighted the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is always open on 0808 2000 247, as week as a range of other services.

They added: “Described as the “life and soul” of her family, Colette, with her kind heart, her infectious laugh and her love of the colour purple, must have been in a very dark place prior to her death.

“In her final days, she was assaulted and beaten by her partner, the man who was supposed to love and care for her.

“She was a long way away from her family home in Greenock, Scotland. 

“Paul Neilson, 31, of no fixed abode was sentenced earlier this year to four years and eight months in prison for three assaults on Colette and perverting the course of justice in relation to covering up her death.

“We don’t know if Colette was aware of the support available for domestic abuse. In her memory, we are sharing the things we only wish could have helped her.

“To Colette – a beautiful young woman who should not have had to suffer – we will remember you.”