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

He has now admitted killing John in his home at Portland Street, Lincoln, on June 13, 2024.

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

Blades, who had been arrested on June 13 and charged with a GBH which had taken place at Merkur Slots in Lincoln that same day, was on remand when the murder investigation started and was identified as a suspect.

Following further investigations, he was charged with murder on June 25, 2024.

During Friday’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 of these incidents took place on June 13.

Blades will now be sentenced on January 9, and was told by the court that he should expect to receive a life sentence.