Hammer attack horror: Man charged with attempted murder in Portsmouth
A 28-year-old man appeared in Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with attempted murder. James Hemming, from Cross Street, Portsea, faced the brief hearing dressed in a grey tracksuit, handcuffed and flanked by prison guards.
When asked by magistrates, Hemming confirmed his name and date of birth before his case was remanded to Portsmouth Crown Court at the end of the month. No bail application was made by his solicitors.
Victim left with life-changing injuries
The court heard the unnamed victim, a 17-year-old girl, suffered two skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury in a savage hammer attack on Shearer Road, Fratton, on April 11.
She remains in hospital and unable to communicate due to the severity of her injuries.
Next steps in the case
- Hemming’s next hearing set for Portsmouth Crown Court end of the month
- No bail granted at this stage
- Investigation ongoing into the brutal assault
Police continue to probe the terrifying incident that has left a young woman fighting for her life.
