Murder suspect in court following Long Clawson incident
A man accused of killing 37-year-old Carrie Slater in a shooting incident at Long Clawson appeared in court today (Tuesday).
Richard Basson (44), of Kings Road, Long Clawson, pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder at Leicester Crown Court and was remanded into custody.
Ms Slater died in hospital on Saturday evening from gunshot wounds after being found seriously injured at an address in Long Clawson on Thursday.
Basson has also been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon of a length less than 30/60cm and possession of ammunition without a certificate.
After a short hearing on Tuesday he faces trial at the same court in March.
Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, expressed her shock at the incident in a post on social media.
She wrote: “My heart goes out to all the family and friends of Carrie Slater, and everyone in Long Clawson.
"This has shaken us all, and it is almost impossible to find the words.
"I will follow the prosecution closely. Justice must be served.”
Forensic investigators were still at the address where the incident happened on Monday – a sympathy bouquet had been left on the front lawn.
Police officers have been carrying out ‘reassurance patrols’ in the village to support shocked residents and they stress they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Ms Slater’s grief-stricken family released a moving statement last night, which reads: “Carrie was loved by all of us.
"She was a daughter and beloved sister to her siblings.
“We’re still coming to terms with what happened.
"It’s difficult to put into words how we’re feeling but nothing we say is going to bring her back.”
The statement added: “She grew up in Grantham and we know there are people there who will be devastated to learn that she’s no longer with us.
“We’re supporting one another as we grieve and ask for privacy at this time.”
A post-mortem examination into Ms Slater’s death concluded that she died as a result of a gunshot wound.
Detectives had sent out an appeal to the public to ask for witnesses to come forward in the aftermath of Ms Slater being found injured.