A MAN has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with attempted robbery and attempted wounding following an incident at Darwen petrol station on Thursday.

David Poucher, 28, of no fixed address, was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court where he will appear on January 6 on charges of attempted robbery, attempted wounding, possession of a knife and a machete, criminal damage and assault.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client had made admissions to the police and would be pleading guilty at the Crown Court. He said his client served for eight years in the Parachute Regiment before a medical discharge because of post traumatic stress disorder.

“There are clear mental health issues and I will be seeking a psychiatric report,” said Mr Prew.