Man who battered supermarket worker to death with a pepper mill and kicked and stamped on her as he slammed door on her head is locked up
A thug who battered a supermarket worker to death with a pepper mill has been detained in prison.
Brian Simpson, 64, left 37-year-old Kristine Sparane with fatal head injuries after attacking her at her home in Spalding, Lincolnshire, on November 26 last year.
A court heard how Kristine had been struck with a large pepper mill, kicked and stamped on as well as having her head shut in a door.
She suffered multiple skull fractures which a pathologist said was more typical of a person 'involved in a road traffic collision or falling from height'.
Officers who attended the property found her lying face down on a bed in a pool of blood while Simpson was found lying on the floor with a kitchen knife next to him.
Kristine had allowed Simpson to stay at the property but she 'only saw him as a friend', a trial of facts hearing at Lincoln Crown Court was told.
Simpson was charged with Kristine's murder but was deemed unfit to plead due to his mental health following reports from two forensic psychiatrists.
This week a jury found that Simpson, of no fixed address, had been responsible for the injuries that led to Kristine's death.
Officers who attended the property found her lying face down on a bed in a pool of blood while Simpson was found lying on the floor with a kitchen knife next to him
Judge Simon Hurst requested further psychiatric reports be undertaken and Simpson currently continues to be detained in prison.
He will decide if Simpson is to be detained in a secure psychiatric hospital for an unlimited period and a further hearing was scheduled for July 14.
Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Lovatt, of East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said after the case: 'The outcome is not about the individual who took Kristine's life - my thoughts remain steadfastly with Kristine and her grieving family, who have endured unthinkable heartbreak and loss.
'Throughout this painful experience they have shown extraordinary courage and resilience.
'We remain committed to ensuring justice is upheld and will continue to closely monitor the defendant's progress and compliance throughout the duration of the hospital order.
'This vigilance reflects our dedication to safeguarding the community while seeking true justice for all involved.'
Lincolnshire Police said Simpson will continue to be assessed in hospital and could participate in a future trial should he be found to have made sufficient recovery.
The force yesterday released a mug shot of him, adding: 'We have taken the decision to release the photograph of the man found to be responsible for killing 37-year-old Kristine Sparane.
'Our primary focus in these situations remains firmly on the victim, ensuring justice is pursued for them and their loved ones.
'While we provide essential coverage of the perpetrators, our commitment is to centre the impact on those affected.
'However, we feel it timely and just that we now share an image of the man who was found to be responsible for taking Kristine's life.'
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