Nottingham man denies attempted murder and stealing dog after woman found seriously injured

A 40-year-old Nottingham man has appeared in court to deny attempting to murder a woman and stealing a dog. Julian Mead pleaded not guilty to four charges when he appeared over a video link from HMP Nottingham at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, November 7.

He has denied attempted murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon - a hammer - and burglary, in relation to the dog, called Winnie. The defendant, of Aspley, was believed to be the first person to be charged with a ‘dognapping’ offence since the Pet Abduction Act (2024) came into force in August.

But that charge has now been replaced with the burglary. Nottinghamshire Police said a woman was found with serious injuries in a Nottingham street. Emergency services were called to Bells Lane, Cinderhill, shortly before 9.30pm on Tuesday 1 October.

The injured woman, aged in her forties, was taken to hospital with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening. Following the assault, a dog was reportedly stolen from an adjacent property.

Mead, of Welstead Avenue, was told he will face trial for the charges in the week commencing March 24, 2025, with a time estimate of five days. Judge Sturt Rafferty KC remanded him into custody until that date.

In a statement released at the time of the charges, Detective Inspector Julian Eminson-Ferry, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a very serious assault, and I am pleased we have now been able to charge a suspect. Our investigation into what happened will now continue.

“The whereabouts of the stolen dog remain unknown and I’d ask anyone with information in this respect to please come forward.” Anyone with information call 101 quoting incident number 0633 of 1 October 2024 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.