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Duo held on murder bid charge

Simon Thacker
27/ 4/2006

TWO men appeared before Hyndburn magistrates on Wednesday charged with attempted murder.

Peter George, 19, of Willows Lane, Accrington, and James Bibby, 21, of Gloucester Road, Blackburn, were accused of trying to kill Keith Bradley, 37, of Willows Lane.

The charges follow an incident at Mr Bradley's home on Sunday afternoon in which he suffered severe stab wounds and other injuries.

He was rushed to hospital and later transferred to a high-dependency unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where he was yesterday said to be in a stable condition.

George, wearing a white football shirt, was tearful as the charges against him were read out and shouted as he was led away by police officers.

Pat Bramley, for the prosecution, said: "Mr Bradley sustained many injuries including around 20 or more lacerations, some of which were very deep. One eight-inch laceration to his head was so deep it went right down to his skull.

"He also suffered a knife injury to his back and police found him lying on his couch with a towel around his head."

The court heard that police did not attempt to move Mr Bradley and had they done so the results could have proved fatal.

Both defendants appeared separately and were remanded in custody.

They are now set to appear before Preston Crown Court and a case management hearing has been scheduled for 2 August.

A third man, Omar Saddiq, 24, of Wordsworth Road, Accrington, has been charged with assisting an offender and will appear at Hyndburn Magistrates Court today (Friday).

Another man and a woman were also quizzed regarding the incident and are currently on police bail.

After the incident the semi-detached house was cordoned off by police tape and forensic officers were at the scene. Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 353743.