Woman denies stabbing ex-partner to death

A post-mortem report found Gillian Connelly died from a stab wound to her chest

A woman has denied stabbing her ex-partner to death at a house in Gainsborough.

Stephanie McLaggan, 38, is on trial for the murder of Gillian Connelly, 44, with a kitchen knife at the home of a mutual friend, Jade Glover, in Wheeldon Street on 28 July last year.

It is alleged the fatal attack was witnessed by a second friend, Susan Wasley, who had spent the night drinking and taking drugs with Ms McLaggan and Ms Connelly.

Giving evidence at Lincoln Crown Court earlier, Ms McLaggan admitted fighting with Ms Connelly, but denied stabbing her.

She told the court an altercation started after Ms Connelly became "touchy" about her new relationship with a man and her being pregnant.

"She [Ms Connelly] got up and said about being on her own. She was threatening to kick the baby," Ms McLaggan said.

"She hit me in the face, so I went for her."

DNA on knife

The court heard the fight then moved to the kitchen before Ms Wasley intervened to stop it.

"Gillian went upstairs and Susan was at the sink washing a knife," Ms McLaggan said.

Ms McLaggan also told the court she did not see Ms Wasley stab Ms Connelly.

She was asked by defence barrister Clive Stockwell KC if she knew where the knife came from?

"The kitchen block," she replied.

She was then asked: "Did you stab Gillian Connelly?"

"No," she replied.

Ms McLaggan also claimed her DNA was only found on the knife because she had used it earlier in the day to make sandwiches.

'I loved Gillian'

Jurors heard Ms McLaggan and Ms Connelly were previously in a long-term relationship and still socialised together.

Ms McLaggan told the court: "I loved Gillian, she was all I ever knew."

The court previously heard evidence from Ms Wasley, who described how she witnessed Ms Connelly being stabbed.

She denied she was responsible.

Ms Connelly was later pronounced dead after being moved out of the property.

A post-mortem examination found she had died from a stab wound to the left side of her chest.

The trial continues.

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