Man charged on murder bids

A neighbour of an elderly couple found with slash wounds in their Wolverhampton home appeared in court this afternoon charged with their attempted murder.

David Brown is accused of trying to kill Evelyn Leedham, aged 74, and 77-year-old husband Reginald, who both underwent emergency surgery after being found in their Merry Hill flat.

Both pensioners were today stable in New Cross Hospital following an attack at St Joseph's Court on Thursday night.

Emergency services were called to the couple's ninth floor flat at around 10.45pm and they were taken to hospital with slash wounds to their arms and body.

Today 38-year-old Brown, who is shaven-headed and has tattoos covering his arms and the back of his head, spoke only to confirm his name and address as he appeared before District Judge Martin Brown at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court.

The judge was told that Mrs Leedham had suffered severe cuts to her face, throat and arms. He refused an application for bail and remanded Brown, who also lives in St Joseph's Court, off Chadwick Close, in custody to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court on March 2 next year.

The court heard Mrs Leedham had also suffered a puncture wound to her stomach.

As he was led down to the cells, Brown, who was wearing a black t-shirt, winked at his lawyer.

Prayers were said for the couple at St Joseph's Church, which is opposite the flats where police were still carrying out investigations today, at both morning services yesterday.

Rev Phil Comsdale said: "I know a lot of people in the flats and this is just terrible. Our thoughts are with the couple and their family."

Residents in the close-knit community where the Leedhams live today spoke of their shock at the attack.

By Michelle Pearson and Mike Woods