A Carlisle man has appeared in court accused of attacking and injuring his neighbour with a rusty garden fork during an alleged incident earlier this week.
Paul Muir, 41, faces one charge. This alleges that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Barry Sterrick with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
The charge arises out of an incident which is said to have taken place in the early hours of yesterday morning at Borrowdale Gardens in Carlisle.
Outlining brief circumstances, prosecutor Diane Jackson alleged that Muir had arrived at Mr Sterrick’s address with a rusty garden fork with which, she said, he had tried to stab the householder.
It was alleged that Muir had then stabbed Mr Sterrick three times as he tried to wrestle the implement away.
Police had been called following the alleged attack, and the complainant was taken to hospital. “Thankfully there are not serious injuries. There were three puncture wounds as a result of the use of the pitchfork,” alleged Ms Jackson.
Muir, of Borrowdale Gardens, appeared in front of a district judge at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this morning. Sporting dark, greying hair and a beard, and wearing a grey jumper, Muir spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
The court heard the charge he faced was so serious that it could only be dealt with at the city’s crown court.
No indication of plea was given by Muir’s solicitor, Ant Wilson, and there was no application lodged for bail.
At the end of a hearing lasting just five minutes district judge, John Temperley, formally sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court.
Muir is due to appear there in front of a judge for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Wednesday, July 26, and in the meantime has been remanded in custody.
