A Lincolnshire woman is denying murder charges related to an alleged fatal assault on a former partner in Gainsborough. Stephanie McLaggan, 38, is currently being tried at Lincoln Crown Court on the accusation of fatally injuring Gillian Connelly, 44, with a kitchen knife at a home on Wheeldon Street in July last year. The prosecution made allegations that a mutual friend, Susan Wasley, bore witness to the incident during an evening of substance use. Ms McLaggan confessed to being involved in a physical confrontation, however, she held steadfast in denying the use of a knife against Ms Connelly.
During her court appearance, Ms McLaggan attributed the confrontation to Ms Connelly’s discontent with her current relationship status and pregnancy. “She [Ms Connelly] was upset about being alone and made threats towards my unborn child,” Ms McLaggan offered as part of her defence. Further, she narrated that the confrontation led to the kitchen, where Ms Wasley was reportedly seen handling a knife. The defendant argued that whilst she did not witness Ms Wasley injuring Ms Connelly, her own DNA appeared on the weapon due to having used it earlier for food preparation.
The court learned from the proceedings that Ms McLaggan and Ms Connelly maintained social contact following their romantic separation. “I loved Gillian, Gillian meant everything to me,” Ms McLaggan expressed at trial. As the trial proceeds, the jury heard from Ms Wasley, who admitted to witnessing the injury-causing incident but fervently denied any personal involvement. Following an inflicted chest injury, Ms Connelly was declared deceased. The trial remains in session with more evidence expected to be put forward in the coming days.
Please be aware, this story was adapted from the original story reported by www.bbc.com.
