Flintshire shopkeeper murder bid accused faces trial

Attempted murder accused Matthew Whelan, on the left, will go on trial with co-defendant Leslie Baines in May

A man accused of trying to murder a Flintshire shopkeeper in December will go on trial in May.

Matthew Liam Whelan, 29, from Mancot, appeared via a video link at Mold Crown Court charged with attempted murder after the alleged attack at a Costcutter store in Queensferry.

Shopkeeper Imtiaz Ul Haq, 58, suffered serious knife injuries to his throat in the incident.

Co-defendant Leslie Baines, 47, from Connah's Quay is accused of robbery.

It is alleged a till drawer containing an unknown amount of cash was taken in the incident on 8 December.

Judge Rhys Rowlands agreed that the defence should have the opportunity to view the CCTV footage from the shop before formal pleas were entered.

The hearing was adjourned and a trial will take place on 22 May, and is expected to last five days.

Both accused men remain in custody.