Secure hospital move delays killer's sentencing

Kristine Sparane was found dead at her home in Spalding on 26 November

A judge has described delays in sentencing a man who killed a woman in her home as "entirely undesirable".

Kristine Sparane, 37, was found lying on a bed and covered in blood at her flat in Winsover Road, Spalding, on 26 November.

Brian Simpson, 64, was initially charged with murder but a trial of facts was instead held after he was deemed unfit to face a criminal trial due to his mental health.

Lincoln Crown Court heard earlier he had not been moved from prison to a suitable secure hospital for a psychiatric assessment because a placement had not yet been approved.

Judge Simon Hirst urged Mr Simpson be moved as quickly as possible and adjourned the case until 16 October.

"[The] delay in this case is entirely undesirable, not just for Mr Simpson, but for everyone else involved," he said.

Mary Prior KC, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, said it was hard for the victim's family.

The trial of facts in May was held to determine whether Mr Simpson killed Ms Sparane but could not result in a conviction.

After hearing she had suffered multiple blunt-force blows which caused skull fractures, the jury decided Mr Simpson was responsible for her death, meaning a judge would decide whether he would be detained in a secure psychiatric hospital.

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