Man guilty of Lincoln murder

The man charged with the murder of 69-year-old John Connolly pleaded guilty at a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, January 3.

Owen Blades, 27, of Tennyson Street, Gainsborough, was due to stand trial on 2 January after initially entering a not guilty plea but changed it at the hearing and has now admitted killing John in his home at Portland Street, Lincoln, on June 13, 2024.

John’s body was found by police officers on Tuesday, June 18 following a call to our Force Control Room from his family who were concerned for his welfare.

Blades (pictured) who had been arrested on June 13 and charged with a grievous bodily harm offence, which had taken place at Merkur Slots in Lincoln that same day, was on remand when the police investigation started and was quickly identified as a suspect.

Following further investigations, he was charged with murder on June 25.

During today’s hearing, Blades also pleaded guilty to a burglary in Portland Street, Lincoln, possession of a knife in public place, and theft of food from Tesco – all on June 13.

Blades will be sentenced this Thursday, January 9, and was told by the court that he should expect to receive a life term.