[F]ollowing an alleged horrific attack on Tuesday, February 13, at a Carlisle sports shop, a man from Stainton, Penrith has appeared at North and West Cumbria Magistrates Court charged with the alleged attempted murder of Vaughan Liversy, alleged possession of an offensive weapon namely a machete, petrol and a blowtorch.
Francis Robertson, 60, appeared from custody and spoke only to confirm his personal details.
His lawyer indicated not-guilty pleas to the allegations.
After a short hearing Robertson was remanded in custody and will next appear at Carlisle Crown Court on 5 March.
Vaughan Liversy the 50-year-old shop worker was allegedly burnt during the incident at the premises on Wigton Road, around 10.45am, with reports that it was a “flammable burn” the victim had allegedly been doused in an “accelerant” and he suffered burns to his legs and was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle for treatment.
Eye-witnesses at the scene reported fire and ambulance crews arrived, police officers and police dogs were seen searching the area, armed police officers were deployed in the area as a precaution to patrol the streets.