Murder accused men face trial over woman's death

Two men accused of murder after a woman's body was found in a Lincolnshire village have appeared in court.

Hayley Marson, 33, was found dead at a property on Thames Street, in Hogsthorpe, near Skegness, at about 09:00 BST on 30 September, Lincolnshire Police said.

John Scott, 52, of no fixed address, and John Welby, 65, of Thames Street, Hogsthorpe, were both charged with her murder.

Both men appeared at Lincoln Crown Court, where the case was adjourned until 18 December for a plea and trial preparation hearing. A provisional trial date was also set for 22 March next year, with the trial expected to last two to three weeks.

Welby and Scott, who were both wearing grey jumpers and jogging bottoms, spoke only to confirm their names.

No pleas were entered and no bail applications were submitted. Both defendants were remanded into custody until their next court appearances.

Speaking after the incident, Det Insp Melissa Rooke said: "We are working at pace to provide answers to Hayley's family and our thoughts remain very much with them at this tragic time."

Paying tribute, Marson's family described her as "a beautiful daughter, a loving sister, a cherished granddaughter and a wonderful auntie".

They said: "Hayley was taken from us far too soon, leaving a space in our family that can never truly be filled.

"There are simply no words to describe how much she was loved and how deeply she will be missed every single day."

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