Granham Man Appears in Court on Murder Charge
A 37-year-old man is facing charges in connection with the murder of Tony McDermott, aged 38. The accused, Nicholas Christopher Ward from Grantham, Lincolnshire, was in court on Tuesday, October 17th, after being charged following McDermott's death earlier that week.
The Incident
Police arrived on Eton Street, Grantham, in response to a 999 call during the early hours of Saturday, October 14th. They discovered McDermott's body at the scene, appearing to have suffered from knife wounds. The emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene.
Preliminary Hearing
Ward appeared at Lincoln Crown Court in a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name for his preliminary hearing. Presiding Judge Simon Hirst scheduled a plea and trial preparation hearing for January 8, 2024. Ward's trial will begin on April 15, 2024, and is estimated to last around two weeks.
"You will next be at court on January 8. On that occasion you are expected to enter a guilty or not guilty plea."
Following the remarks from Judge Hirst, Ward was remanded back into custody. The representation for his case includes barrister John McNally. The prosecution is being led by John Hallissey.