Man in court over woman and child murder bid (From Daily Echo)

Roger Weir charged with attempted murder after alleged attack at Eastleigh's Alexander Square

11:51am Monday 14th May 2012 in News By Jenny Makin, Crime Reporter

A MAN has this morning appeared in court accused of trying to murder a woman and her little girl.

Roger Weir, 45, appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court with his left arm heavily bandaged and wrapped in a large blue foam cast.

He confirmed his name and home address, in Slough Lane, Poole.

The court was told how Weir had gone to Alexander Square in Eastleigh believe 11pm and midnight last Sunday, where he allegedly shot the woman with a self-adapted flare gun before attacking her with a meat cleaver and a police-style telescopic baton.

The court heard how the 27-year-old woman managed to escape from the property covered in blood and raised the alarm with neighbours.

Meanwhile, Weir barricaded himself inside a room within the flat with the little girl, aged 19 months, who he allegedly administered drugs to.

Police negotiators were involved and eventually took the child to safety.

Weir was led from the dock in handcuffs by security officers and will appear at Winchester Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on June 12.