Delay in Sidmouth axe attack case
Exeter Crown Court. - Credit: Archant
The sentence of a woodman who attacked a total stranger with an axe has been adjourned once again for a further psychiatric report.
Richard Weddell attacked a tourist with an axe as the victim was filming flower displays at Connaught Gardens while visiting Sidmouth in July last year.
Victim Mark Lightburn, aged 61, needed stitches in a neck wound after being hacked down with the axe which Weddell normally used for cutting trees and shrubs.
Weddell, aged 31, who lived in a caravan at Bowd Corner at the time, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm 11 months ago.
He has been in custody ever since but has been transferred from Exeter Prison to the Langdon Hospital for psychiatric assessment.
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He was due back at Exeter Crown Court today (Thursday) but was not brought to the building and his case was adjourned in his absence without any further progress being made.
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