A 15-year-old boy charged with attempted murder allegedly attacked a couple with an axe as they slept, a court heard this morning.
James and Sarah Woodcock were both attacked with a wood axe as they slept at a house in Rowlands Road, Worthing, in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The 15-year-old boy was arrested later the same day and charged with two counts of attempted murder.
He appeared at Crawley Magistrates Court this afternoon, where he spoke only to confirm his name.
District Judge Amanda Kelly remanded him in custody ahead of his next hearing at Lewes Crown Court on February 11.
Prosecuting, Jeremy King said Mr Woodcock sustained multiple cuts to his face and the top of his head. When emergency services found him, there was a large amount of blood and he appeared disorientated.
A scan revealed multiple skull fractures and he underwent emergency surgery.
Mrs Woodcock was not as badly injured, and was left with cuts to her face, the loss of part of her earlobe and leg injuries.
This morning, Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Lewis said: “This was a traumatic incident and our thoughts are with the two victims.
“The boy is known to the victims, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident.
“There has been an increased police presence in the Rowlands Road area while we’ve carried out our enquiries and I’d like to thank residents and the wider community for their patience and understanding during this time.”
Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to report online or call 101 quoting Operation Bransford.
Editor’s note: This story, which is based on what was said in court, originally said Mr Woodcock lost his arm. Having spoken to Sussex Police, we are happy to clarify this is not the case.
