Jury to consider intent over hammer attack
A WOMAN has admitted attacking a pensioner with a hammer in a public toilet block in North Yorkshire but will stand trial at Teesside Crown Court next month so a jury can decide her intention at the time.
Ellen Pounder, 47, yesterday admitted robbing 84-year-old Selina Hannah Fawcett of her handbag and contents and unlawfully wounding her in Leyburn on November 28 last year, but denied wounding Mrs Fawcett with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm.
Pounder, of Rose Dene, Carperby, Leyburn was remanded in custody by the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox QC, who told her a jury would decide the issue. The court heard the victim, who was treated in hospital, will not be required to give evidence.