Church Stretton attempted murder accused is not fit for trial

A Shropshire pensioner accused of attempting to murder his ex-wife in front of horrified shoppers in the middle of Church Stretton is not fit to stand trial, a judge ruled today.

Alzheimer's Disease sufferer Leonard Parton, 72, of Upper Galdeford in Ludlow, was charged with the attempted murder of Rosemary Ann Parton after an incident in Sandford Avenue on May 19 this year.

A hearing at Stafford Crown Court was today told Parton would not be able to cope with the rigours of a trial.

Parton, who was in court for the hearing, has been remanded in custody and a trial to determine if he carried out the attack will take place in his absence. The court heard plans were in place for Parton to be transferred to a secure psychiatric hospital.

Reports from Dr Majid Gahir, a consultant forensic psychiatrist at Rampton Hospital and Dr Claire Barkley, consultant forensic psychiatrist and medical director for South Staffordshire and Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust, both confirmed Parton was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Judge Robin Onions said: "I have no doubt in this case at all that Parton is unfit to enter a plea.

"If I thought his condition would improve with time I would delay such a finding, but there is no evidence to suggest it will."

Mrs Parton suffered serious injuries to her neck, face and shoulders after the attack, which took place at in the town's main street.