Trial halted as defendant sacks attorney

(CNS): Garry Hurlston, who was on trial for theattempted murder of Wesley Clarke, has been remanded back in custody to HMP Northward while he awaits a new trial date after sacking his attorney. Hurlston (41) is accused of stabbing Clarke in the neck at a party last June.  Following a catalogue of problems regarding his defence and several switches of counsel, Hurlstone once again finds himself unrepresented as he faces serious charges. Clarke, who slipped into a coma shortly after he was stabbed, has remained in a vegetative state since the incident. He is the only witness against Hurlston.

Acting Justice Nova Hall was presiding over the judge alone trial which stated last week but the case has now been suspended until the defendant, who has been on remand since his arrest a few days after the incident, can secure a new attorney and a new trial date will then be fixed.