May trial date is set for hammer attack accused

TWO men are to stand trial accused of trying to kill a man who was allegedly attacked with hammers and thrown down stairs.

Colin Hay and James Earl deny assaulting Rodger Barton at Bruce Gardens, in Dalkeith, Midlothian, on November 11 last year.

The attempted murder charge includes claims that Mr Barton was dragged from a property and thrown down stairs.

It is also alleged the 43-year-old was was repeatedly struck on the head and body with two hammers.

Mr Barton is said to have been left in a drying green area “under the cover of darkness and in a location where he might not easily have been
discovered”.

Hay and Earl – both aged 39 – are also accused of failing to seek medical help for the man.

Judge Lord Uist set trial for May 10 at the High Court in Edinburgh. The case is expected to last around six days.