A distressing incident was reported in Gainsborough when a local woman gave a detailed account of watching her friend succumb to a fatal assault. Stephanie McLaggan, 38, previously a North Warren Road resident in Gainsborough, is on trial, accused of the murder of Gillian Connelly, aged 44. The tragic incident occurred at the home of another friend on Wheeldon Street, on the 28th of July.
As part of the ongoing trial at Lincoln Crown Court, Susan Wasley, who was present with Ms McLaggan and Ms Connelly that fateful evening, gave her account of the attack. She conveyed the horrific moment she stood, rooted to the spot, witnessing the alleged assault of Ms Connelly by Ms McLaggan. Ms Wasley described how Ms Connelly, initially with her back to the room, was purportedly approached by Ms McLaggan wielding a kitchen knife. The incident escalated into a physical struggle in the dining area, leaving Ms Connelly struggling for air, and eventually leading to her premature death due to a stab injury to her chest.
Subject to intense cross-examination, Ms Wasley refuted any participation in the tragic incident, whilst the prosecution maintained that the attack was unexpected. The court was informed that Ms McLaggan and Ms Connelly, despite having had a long-standing relationship, continued to associate with each other. The trial is expected to continue for approximately two weeks.
This story was sourced from original reporting via www.bbc.com and adapted by The Lincoln Post.
