Ashley Francis in court over Hockwold grandfather stabbing

Ashley Francis, 26, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth when he was brought before Norwich Magistrates’ Court.

Josephine Jones, prosecuting, said he had been charged following an incident in Hockwold, between Thetford and Downham Market, on February 29. 

Police were called just before 9am following reports that a man had been stabbed in the neck with a kitchen knife.

A man in his 80s was stabbed in the neck in Hockwold on Thursday morning (Image: Chris Bishop)

READ MORE: Attempted murder charge brought after man in 80s stabbed in quiet village

The victim, who has been named locally as Mervyn Moulton, was initially taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King's Lynn, but was later transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

He suffered a laceration to the neck that required surgery and remains in a critical but stable condition, the court was told.

Francis, of Whittington Hill, King’s Lynn, had been staying with his grandparents at the time of the incident, said Ms Jones. 

Ashley Francis was remanded in custody accused of the stabbing of his grandfather (Image: Newsquest)

Appearing in custody and wearing a white shirt and blue jumper, he did not enter a plea to a single charge of attempted murder.

Magistrates committed his case to Norwich Crown Court with a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 2.

A prosecution application for Francis to remain on remand until that date was unopposed by defence solicitor Matt Diss.