Lawrence Bierton faces trial for gruesome murder, recalls previous convictions, and pleads diminished responsibility

In a horrifying turn of events, Lawrence Bierton, a convicted double-killer, stands trial for bludgeoning his elderly neighbour, 73-year-old Pauline Quinn, to death with a coffee table. Bierton, 63, denies the murder charge, citing diminished responsibility, as the trial unfolds at Nottingham Crown Court.

Bierton, known for his previous convictions involving the murder of two elderly sisters in 1996, was released on licence in 2017. However, he was recalled to prison in the following year due to failures in addressing his drug and alcohol misuse. Released on licence once again in May 2020, he raised concerns due to his associations and was subsequently offered residence in a bungalow adjacent to Mrs Quinn’s council property in Rayton Spur, Worksop, in November the same year.

Prosecutor John Cammegh KC presented the case to the jury on December 5, stating, “The Crown’s case is that shortly after four o’clock on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 9, 2021, the defendant Lawrence Bierton murdered an elderly lady named Pauline Quinn in her home.” The prosecutor asserted that the violent nature of Pauline’s death left no room for doubt regarding Bierton’s intent to kill.

What makes this case unusual is Bierton’s admission to the killing, with the focus shifting to whether he was of diminished responsibility at the time. Cammegh cautioned jurors about the distressing evidence they may encounter, emphasizing the visceral nature of the attack revealed by bloodstains on the ceiling and walls at Mrs Quinn’s residence, coupled with skull and facial fractures.

During the trial’s opening, the jury witnessed a three-dimensional model showcasing the injuries suffered by Mrs Quinn, believed to be the result of at least ten impacts to the head and four to the rest of the body. CCTV footage depicting Bierton walking in the area after the murder, initially driving off in his victim’s car, suggests a disturbing contrast – appearing steady, purposeful, sober, calm, and collected.

While Bierton denies the murder charge, he has admitted to a theft charge. The trial continues as the court unravels the gruesome details of this shocking crime.