Man accused of murdering partner and robbing her of jewellery at Knightswood flat

A man is to stand trial charged with the murder and robbery of a woman.

Brian Hughes, 49, is accused of attacking Joanne Newlands – described in court papers as his “partner or ex-partner” – over a four-day period in March this year.

The alleged killing is said to have occurred at the tower block flat in Kirkton Avenue, Knightswood.

Prosecutors claim – between March 13 and 17 – he repeatedly punched, stamped and kicked the 41-year-old on the head, neck and body or “inflicted blunt force trauma” on the woman by unknown means.

The murder charge states Hughes then failed to get Ms Newlands medical help.

She is said to have died there, and Hughes also robbed her of a bracelet and ring.

He faces other accusations of violence towards Ms Newlands, stretching back eight years.

This includes a claim that he attempted to murder her at the same flat in early January 2026.

It is alleged that he choked her with his hands until she fell unconscious.

An earlier charge alledges Hughes assaulted Ms Newlands at another flat in Lincoln Avenue, Knightswood, on May 19, 2018.

He is said to have pulled a bracelet from a wrist and damaged it, broken her sunglasses, and robbed her of her mobile phone.

A further accusation claims Hughes engaged in a course of abusive conduct at different addresses in Glasgow between April 1, 2019, and March 17, 2026.

This features allegations that he was controlling towards Ms Newlands, tracked her movements, headbutted her, accused her of cheating, sent abusive messages, and made threats to the woman and her family.

The indictment also states – although not a charge – that prosecutors may lead evidence of the aggravated assault by Hughes on Ms Newlands at a flat in the city’s east end in March 2008.

The case called for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

James Mulgrew, defending, pled not guilty on behalf of Hughes.

Both Mr Mulgrew and prosecutor Scott McKenzie agreed a trial could be set.

Lord Scott went on to fix a date, and it is scheduled to begin in October 2027

The case could last around ten days.