Murder bid charge as victim left critically ill

A man appeared in court today accused of attempted murder after a man was critically injured in an attack near a Brownhills pub.

Kevin Pallatina, aged 42, Bridgewater Close, Walsall Wood, appeared at Walsall Magistrates Court this morning over the attack on a 44-year-old man named today as Richard Crane. Mr Crane is still critically ill in hospital following the beating with a "heavy-bladed weapon" in the early hours of Friday near the Anchor pub in Chester Road.

He was on his way home from a friend's house.

Today it emerged he suffered 13 deep cuts to the left side of his head, causing multiple skull fractures, and the loss of his left eye.

The victim's injuries are still thought to be life-threatening and he is breathing through a tube.

Wearing a T-shirt and a blue zip-up top, Pallatina spoke only to confirm his name and address at the court. He was remanded in custody.

The case will be mentioned at Wolverhampton Crown Court on March 2 and there will be a plea and directions hearing on May 17.

Officers have traced several witnesses but hope more will come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Evans of Walsall Police has said that when officers initially arrived at the scene, two members of the public were already tending to the victim.

He appealed for an Asian man in a small black car who is believed to have stopped to help to come forward.

Mr Crane was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital, but was later transferred to North Staffordshire Hospital.

Traffic was stopped from getting into Brownhills on Friday morning as police cordoned off the area and put tents up at the scene.

Queues stretched back for up to half-a-mile from the Chester Road A452 and Lichfield Road A461 junction north and southbound.

Anyone able to help the police investigation is urged to contact CID at Bloxwich police station on 0845 1135000, or speak to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.