Man remanded on stabbing charge

Mr Etchells was stabbed while trying to serve an eviction notice

A 63-year-old man accused of stabbing a police community support officer has appeared in court.

Albert Williams, of Elizabeth Avenue, Stalybridge, appeared at Tameside Magistrates' Court charged with attempted murder.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester Crown Court on 21 February 2007, when he is expected to enter a plea.

PCSO Gary Etchells was helping to serve an eviction notice when he was stabbed.

The support officer, a father-of-four from Glossop, Derbyshire, has been moved out of intensive care at Tameside General Hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.