‘Axe attack’ allegation lands man in court more than a year-and-a-half later (From Watford Observer)

‘Axe attack’ allegation lands man in court more than a year-and-a-half later

8:30am Monday 26th January 2009 in

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51-year-old Carlo Negri was arrested on suspicion of wounding after an attack on a man in Abbots Langley in April 2007, but brought to court for the first time this week.

Negri was bailed to appear at a police station for further questioning, but failed to turn up and an arrest warrant was issued.

Shortly after the complainant Manuel Costa withdrew the allegation that Negri and another man had attacked him in Little Howcroft on April 3, 2007, and said he would not support any prosecution.

As a result charges against co defendant, Alfio Mallaci-Mercurio, of Riverside Road, Watford, were dropped after a trial was adjourned and Mr Costa confirmed in writing he did not wish to press charges.

However, because Negri never returned to the station for further questioning he was never charged with the offence.

He was arrested for breach of bail just before Christmas and spent three days of the festive season in custody.

Negri’s defence said he suffered with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and was on medication. Judge Michael Baker interjected “that’s a problem with the hand” to which the defence responded that Negri takes high doses of Temazepam, which makes him forgetful.

At St Albans Crown Court on Friday the prosecution said in the circumstances it would be dropping the Bail Act charges and Negri was told he was “free to go”.

Judge Baker said: “It may be that Mr Negri is very lucky to be in the situation he is but I will make an assumption that he’s not guilty and put that out of my mind.

“There is nothing else on the court’s file. Mr Negri, you are free to go.”