Man appears in court after Ledbury stabbing (From Hereford Times)

Man appears in court after Ledbury stabbing

1:27pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in Ledbury By Paul Rogers

A MAN appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court this morning charged with attempting to murder his ex-wife and her new partner.

Peter Mason, aged 58, from Newark, Nottinghamshire, is accused of stabbing Deborah Mason and Michael Longden outside their Ledbury house on Sunday evening.

Both sustained multiple stab wounds and were airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Mrs Mason - who was married to her former husband for 10 years and had two children by him – sustained a punctured lung and injuries to a hand.

She remains in hospital in a stable condition following surgery.

Mr Longden – who set up home with Mrs Mason and her two children after the Mason’s split up - sustained injuries to his body, head and back, but it is understood that he has since been discharged from hospital.

A number of passers-by stopped to assist the two victims, including a motorcyclist.

Mr Mason has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and one of possessing an offensive weapon, but did not enter a plea when he appeared in court today.

He was remanded in custody to appear before a crown court next Thursday.