Richard Hasell, aged 22 of Canworthy Water who stabbed his brother William during an argument on December 8 last, pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted murder at Truro Crown Court on Wednes­day, March 4.

Hasell, of Canworthy Water, Launceston admitted that he had unlawfully and maliciously wounded William Hasell with intent to do him grievous bodily harm and also that he had stabbed a dog belonging to a friend.

He further admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the animal and to having failed to provide a specimen for analysis.

Prosecutor Llewellyn Sellick accepted Hasell's pleas and the attempted murder charge was left on the file, not to be proceeded without leave of the court or the Court of Appeal.

Defence solicitor John Fletcher asked that Hasell be sentenced but Judge Nicholas Vincent declined, pointing out that a probation officer was of the opinion that there was a high risk to Hasell's family of him committing a further offence.

He adjourned sentence for six weeks to enable a psychiatric report to be obtained. Hasell was further remanded in custody.