A man charged with attempted murder in connection with an incident at Ashworth Hospital could be set to stand trial next year.
David O'Brien has been charged with attempting to murder Daniel Fitzsimons and wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm against the same man. The alleged attacked occurred at the high-security psychiatric hospital in Maghull on November 11 last year.
Judge Denis Watson KC set a potential trial date beginning in the week of February 20, 2023 and scheduled to last three days during a brief hearing at Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Thursday. The 44-year-old defendant, of no fixed address, was not present and has not yet been asked to enter a plea to either charge.
A further case management hearing was also set for November 18. O'Brien, who had family members present in the public gallery and was represented by Ken Heckle, has been remanded into custody until that date.
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