Chorley man who suffered brain injuries in fight appears in court accused of assaulting his attacker 'first'

Robert McCullough suffered brain and head injuries when he was brutally assaulted by Curtis Irving, then 18, on Fireman's Lane in Chorley on February 5 2019.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service now allege that Mr McCullough 'started' the incident by wounding Mr Irving first.

He is accused of wounding with intent and possessing a knife

Mr McCullough appeared in the dock at Preston Crown Court in person, using the aid of a cane, and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Paul Cummings, prosecuting, said: " The court now knows Mr Irving, after he was allegedly assaulted, then attacked and assaulted this defendant, so much so that he was initially charged with an attempted murder.

"He later pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and is now serving a 10 year sentence for that assault.

"We say this defendant assaulted Mr Irving and after that Mr Irving then launched his attack.

"The prosecution case is that Mr McCullough started the incident."

It is understood his defence team may argue it isn't in the public interest to proceed against him given his subsequent injuries.

Judge Philip Parry set a potential trial for September 13, 2021, and granted unconditional bail. (proceeding)