[A] POLICE officer accused of wounding of a man in Workington while off duty will stand trial later this year.
Stephen William Light, 44, denied two charges when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today (FRI). Wearing a grey suit, white shirt and striped tie, he spoke from the dock to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality, and to enter two not guilty pleas.
Light denied the alleged unlawful and malicious wounding of Andrew John Grant. He further denied a charge which alleges the damaging of property – a window – belonging to Mr Grant.
Both charges arise out of an alleged incident in the Fountains Avenue area of Workington. This is said to have taken place during the early hours of April 11 this year.
Light, of Bede Close, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was off duty at that time. The court heard he is a serving officer, and is said to be attached to Northumbria Police.
Judge James Adkin adjourned the case. A trial in front of a jury – estimated to last three days – is due to start at the crown court in early August.
In the meantime, Light was granted bail by the judge.
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said after today’s hearing: “We are aware of the charges that one of our officers is facing. As soon as the allegations were brought to our attention, the officer was suspended from duty.
“Given that proceedings are active in court, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage.”
