Barber on attempted murder charge

05 February 2010

A BARBER appeared at the Old Bailey to deny trying to kill one of his colleagues.

Gary McLean, 40, from West Ham, allegedly pulled out a gun and pressed the trigger while pointing it at Raphael Reid.

The gun did not fire, but McLean is said to have got in to his Nissan Primera and run down Mr Reid.

The victim escaped with only minor injuries after the incident on October 25 last year.

Both men worked at the Another Level barber's shop in West Ham Lane, Stratford.

It is believed the men argued inside the shop, before the row spilled in to the street.

McLean appeared in court via a videolink from prison for a short hearing.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and dangerous driving.

Judge Timothy Pontius QC set a trial for April 12. The case is expected to last three or four days.

McLean, of Gilbert Street, was remanded in custody.