Two Wolverhampton men accused of shooting another man in the hand this afternoon had their charges downgraded from attempted murder to wounding with intent at the city’s crown court.

Richard Beckles, aged 29, of Westfield Road, Stowlawn, pleaded guilty to wounding Seymour Quarrel with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Lee Bernard, 30, of Banstead Close, All Saints, denied the same charge.

The pair were jointly alleged to have shot the 36-year-old in the hand at the junction of Stowell Road and Fourth Avenue in Low Hill on February 25.

They both pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm when they appeared before the court today and were remanded in custody by Judge John Warner.

Bernard’s not guilty plea was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service. Sentencing has been adjourned.