A MAN allegedly stabbed a dad-of-three to death before knifing his wife and leaving another neighbour fighting for his life.
Can Arslan appeared before Bristol Magistrates' Court today accused of killing his neighbour Matthew Boorman during an attack in Walton Cardiff, Gloucestershire, just after 5.20pm on Tuesday.
Arslan was charged with the 43-year-old dad's murder following the incident near Tewkesbury and has been remanded in custody.
The 51-year-old is also accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Matthew's wife, Sarah, and the attempted murder of another neighbour, Peter Marsden. He faces an additional charge of affray.
At a brief hearing today, the stockily built bearded defendant – who wore a grey t-shirt and tracksuit trousers – spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
His wife and daughter were present in court, as were members of Matthew's family.
Jeremy Oliver, prosecuting, asked for the case to be sent to Bristol Crown Court due to the seriousness of the charges.
Susan Helfer, chair of the bench, remanded Arslan, of Snowdonia Road, in custody and ordered him to appear before Bristol Crown Court on October 11.
"As your solicitor will have told you, these offences are too serious for this court and will be held in the crown court," she said.
"We have no jurisdiction over bail and there will be a bail hearing in Bristol Crown Court on Monday.
"As you are not asking for bail you are not required to be present. There will be a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 5.
"In the meantime you will be remanded into custody."
During the incident, two off-duty police officers risked their lives to tackle the knifeman and restrain him.
Despite being treated at the scene by paramedics, Matthew was tragically declared dead a short time later.
In a statement released by Gloucestershire Police, his devastated family said: "Matthew was a loving husband and a father to three gorgeous young children who all love him and miss him tremendously.
Matthew was a loving husband and a father to three gorgeous young children who all love him and miss him tremendously
"He was an uncle, a brother and a son. It broke our hearts to lose him too soon."
His wife Sarah, who is in her 30s, suffered a leg injury and was treated at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
A fundraiser for her and their three young kids has raised more than £26,000.
Peter Marsden, who is in his 40s, is in a "critical but stable" condition at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, having suffered serious stab wounds.
Gloucestershire Police said the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had been informed due to previous contact between the suspect and Matthew.
An IOPC spokesman said: "We have received a referral from Gloucestershire Police in respect of previous police contact with the suspect and victim involved in a stabbing incident in Walton Cardiff.
"We will be assessing the referral to determine whether any IOPC involvement is required in an investigation."
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