Man to stand trial accused of Glasgow murder and domestic abuse after woman's death

A man is to stand trial next year accused of murdering a woman weeks after he allegedly attempted to kill her.

Prosecutors allege Brian Hughes, 49, repeatedly punched, kicked and stamped on Joanne Newlands' head, neck and body, or otherwise repeatedly inflicted blunt force trauma by means unknown, between 13 and 17 March this year.

He is also accused of failing to give or seek medical assistance for Ms Newlands, 41, referred to in court documents as his "partner or ex-partner", leaving her so severely injured that she died at the flat in Kirkton Avenue, Glasgow.

It is also alleged Hughes robbed her of a bracelet and ring.

Hughes is further accused of attempting to murder Ms Newlands by compressing her neck with his hands until she lost consciousness, to the danger of her life, on an occasion between 1 and 6 January this year at the same flat.

Hughes pleaded not guilty to all charges at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.

Hughes is also accused of domestic abuse over several years between 1 April 2019 and 17 March 2026 at flats in Glasgow and places elsewhere in Scotland.

It is alleged he behaved in a "controlling and abusive manner" towards Ms Newlands during the relationship, which allegedly included monitoring her whereabouts, controlling her finances and controlling and monitoring her mobile phone usage.

He is also accused of sending her abusive text messages and voicemails, headbutting and assaulting her, accusing her of infidelity, shouting and swearing at her, and threatening her and her family.

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Hughes further faces a charge alleging he assaulted Ms Newlands on 19 May 2018 at a flat in Glasgow by seizing a bracelet she was wearing and broke it, broke her sunglasses and a photo frame and stole a mobile phone from her.

Lord Scott fixed a trial date of 25 October 2027.

(c) Sky News 2026: Man to stand trial accused of Glasgow murder and domestic abuse after woman's death