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Monday, 31 January, 2000, 15:24 GMT

Sword attack suspect remanded

The man accused of carrying out a sword attack that wounded an MP and killed one of his colleagues has been remanded in custody.

Robert Ashman, 49, from Cheltenham, appeared before the town's magistrates following the death of local councillor Andrew Pennington and wounding of Liberal Democrat MP Nigel Jones.

He was charged with murder and attempted murder and spoke only to confirm his name and address.

He was remanded in custody until 7 February.

Mr Pennington, 39, was killed when a man carrying a sword launched an attack in Mr Jones's constituency office in Cheltenham on Friday.

Mr Pennington died from stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. in hospital

Mr Jones underwent two hours of surgery after his hands were badly cut. In one hand, he had up to 60 stitches, and he suffered a cut tendon to the other.

The MP left hospital on Sunday with bandages on the wounds.

He headed home after calling for more protection for public figures.

Mr Jones said he feels MPs should each have individual protection and called for a rethink of security.

However, Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy, who visited him in Cheltenham General Hospital, warned against MPs distancing themselves from the public with new security measures.

Following the attack, MPs of all parties have held discussions with police in their constituencies about arrangements for surgeries and public meetings.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Simon Hughes has called for a national debate on violence, and a fresh look at security for those in public life.

Tributes paid

Cheltenham MP Mr Jones has been told it could be six weeks before he is able to write again.

Both Mr Jones and Mr Kennedy paid tribute to Mr Pennington.

Mr Kennedy said the councillor had been a stalwart supporter of the party and of Mr Jones in particular.

Mr Jones said Mr Pennington had been his best friend.

"The true enormity of what happened hasn't hit me yet," he said.

Mr Pennington, of Hesters Way Road, Cheltenham, was first elected to Gloucestershire County Council 15 years ago.

Related to this story:
Nigel Jones: A constituency man (28 Jan 00 | UK Politics)
Kennedy to visit sword attack MP (30 Jan 00 | UK Politics)

Internet Links: Nigel Jones profile
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