A MAN accused of deliberately wounding another thinks his drink was spiked.
Sean Arnold, of Meadow Way, Harvington, near Evesham, allegedly intended to injure a man in Cheltenham 15 months ago, but he believes his drink may have been spiked.
The 36-year-old had pleaded not guilty at Gloucester Crown Court to causing grievous bodily harm to Ashley Wagstaffe with intent to do so in Cheltenham on December 18, 2022.
Arnold has pleaded guilty to an alternative, less serious offence of unlawfully wounding Mr Wagstaffe (without intent).
The plea was not accepted by the prosecution and the trial date has been set for September 2, 2024.
Recorder James Bromige, the judge sitting at Cirencester Courthouse, had questioned in court why Arnold was pursuing the less serious offence.
The judge asked defence barrister Catherine Spedding: "Is he pursuing the case that his drink may have been spiked and, therefore, wanting expert evidence?"
Ms Spedding had added: "Partly that, yes - and also his actual actions.
"It has to be reviewed on CCTV. The issue is lack of intention."
The judge set a timetable for the case's future progress and said there would be a pre-trial management hearing in court on July 22.
He said the trial is expected to last four days.
Arnold was granted bail pending trial.
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