Murder Accusation Follows Alleged Attempted Killing
Brian Hughes, 49, is accused of murdering Joanne Newlands, 41, at a flat in Kirkton Avenue, Glasgow, between March 13 and 17 this year. The indictment alleges he repeatedly punched, stamped, and kicked Ms. Newlands on the head, neck, and body, or otherwise inflicted blunt force trauma, and failed to seek medical assistance, leading to her death. He is also charged with robbing her of a bracelet and ring.
Alleged Attempted Murder Weeks Earlier
Hughes is further accused of attempting to murder Ms. Newlands by compressing her neck with his hands until she lost consciousness between January 1 and 6, 2026, at the same flat. The attempted murder charge alleges he endangered her life.
Domestic Abuse Charges Spanning Years
Hughes faces additional charges of domestic abuse against Ms. Newlands, described in court documents as his partner or ex-partner, between April 1, 2019, and March 17, 2026. The abuse allegedly included monitoring her whereabouts, controlling her finances, monitoring her phone usage, sending abusive texts and voicemails, headbutting and assaulting her, accusing her of infidelity, shouting and swearing, and threatening her and her family.
Earlier Assault Charge in 2018
Another charge alleges Hughes assaulted Ms. Newlands on May 19, 2018, at a Glasgow flat, where he seized and broke a bracelet she was wearing, broke her sunglasses and a photo frame, and stole her mobile phone.
Plea and Trial Date
Hughes pleaded not guilty to all charges at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday. Judge Lord Scott fixed a trial date for October 25, 2026, expected to last around 10 days.
