A 44-YEAR-old man will now no longer face a trial for attempted murder in relation to an incident at Sainsbury's Blackpole. 

Philip Mapp, of Windermere Drive, Warndon, appeared via videolink from HMP Hewell at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, (September 1), for a pre-trial hearing. 

As we previously reported the 44-year-old has admitted affray, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis.

But Mapp denied the most serious charge of attempted murder and previously a trial date was set for November this year. 

At the start of the latest hearing prosecutor Simon Phillips said the Crown Prosecution Service had reviewed the evidence in the case, including viewing CCTV, and they were now dropping the attempted murder count. 

Worcester News: POLICE: Police outside Sainsbury's BlackpolePOLICE: Police outside Sainsbury's Blackpole (Image: From public)

His Honour Judge Jonathan Salmon said this would be noted with the trial vacated. 

He told Mapp he would now be sentenced for the counts he admitted at the court on October 12.

Mapp was remanded in custody. 

We reported at the time about the police activity at the supermarket with armed officers swarming the car park on May 17. 

Police were also called to nearby Sainsbury’s Garage in Windermere Drive with reports a security guard had suffered an injury.

The Sainsbury's supermarket was closed after the incident with a sign telling customers it was shut until 'further notice.'

An eyewitness at the time said he spoke to other shoppers who were shocked.

They said: "It sounded absolutely horrific.

"Thankfully a quick response ambulance and an air ambulance car turned up."

 

READ MORE: Man denies attempted murder after incident which closed Sainsbury's Blackpole

READ MORE: Police at superstore as it shuts unexpectedly with staff turned away at door

 

The injured security guard was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital following the incident before later being released to recover at home.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said at the time officers would be on patrol after the incident to offer reassurance. 

The spokesman said: "[The security guard] hasn’t suffered physical life-changing injuries but will clearly suffer from the psychological impact of such an attack."