A trial date has been set in the case of a man accused of a serious attack on his mother.
Paul Fearon, 41, faces one charge. This alleges that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Wendy Fearon with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm.
A police investigation had got under way after officers were contacted by hospital staff at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary on April 23, as the 61-year-old woman was being treated.
She is reported to have suffered one broken rib, two suspected separate rib breaks, a punctured lung and been fitted with a chest drain having also undergone a CT scan.
It follows an incident at an address in Wigton. In the wake of that, her son, Fearon, was charged with the alleged offence.
He appeared in front of a judge at the city’s crown court on Tuesday and had been due to enter a plea to the allegation. However, his barrister, Brendan Burke, asked for the arraignment process to be postponed while a psychiatric report was sought.
This will assess whether or not Fearon suffers from mental illness, frailties or difficulties.
Judge Nicholas Barker adjourned the case to 6th July when an update will be provided and a decision taken on how best to proceed.
A jury trial is due to start in the week of September 11. In the meantime, Fearon, of Stricklandgate, Penrith, will remain remanded in custody.
Appearing at Tuesday’s hearing remotely over a video link, he spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.
