THE man accused of murdering Greenock woman Colette Law will stand trial next year, it was confirmed this afternoon.

Paul Neilson, 30, is charged with killing 26-year-old Miss Law in Spalding in Lincolnshire earlier this month.

Her body was discovered in a tent in the grounds of St Mary and St Nicolas Church in the market town on July 17 - seven days after Neilson is said to have committed the alleged murder.

Neilson appeared at Lincoln Crown Court today for a preliminary hearing, where no plea to the charge was tendered.

Greenock Telegraph: Police cordoned off a tent in the grounds of a church last weekPolice cordoned off a tent in the grounds of a church last week (Image: Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian)

Judge Peter Kelson set a provisional trial date of January 22 next year.

Neilson is next due to appear in court on August 29 for a pleading and trial preparation hearing.

He was remanded in custody, with no bail application being submitted.

Neilson was charged on Sunday night before making an initial court appearance at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Greenock Telegraph: St Mary and St Nicolas Church in SpaldingSt Mary and St Nicolas Church in Spalding (Image: Spalding Guardian)

Yesterday, Colette's parents told the Telegraph that their daughter moved to the Spalding area in April and had been living in a tent while seeking assistance from Lincolnshire County Council to find permanent accommodation.

READ MORE: Parents of Colette Law 'raging' their daughter was left lying dead for a week

Mum Patricia, 63, described Colette as a ‘bubbly’ person who loved to spend time with friends.

She added: “She was just her. She was the life and soul of the party.

“She would laugh at anything, but if you were down she would pull you up again.

Greenock Telegraph: Patricia and John LawPatricia and John Law (Image: George Munro)

“With her jokes and her antics, she was just a funny and loving person.

Lincolnshire Police are appealing for witnesses as they continue to investigate Colette’s death.

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Detective inspector Adrian Czajkowski, senior investigation officer, said: “Any piece of information can prove crucial in an investigation, and we’d rather have as much information as possible.”