Attempted murder charge

A MAN is facing an attempted murder charge after an alleged assault near Waterbeck last Saturday night. Jack Back, 30, who is from Waterbeck, appeared in private before the sheriff at Dumfries on Monday on three charges. The first charge encompassed assault to injury, danger of life, attempted murder and robbery; and the others related to a breach of the peace; and the offence of having in a public place an article with blade or point. Back made no plea and he was committed for further examination and remanded in custody. Police were called to the B7068 near Winterhope, at 9.25 pm on Saturday. On Sunday, a spokesperson for the force said: “We received a report of a man having his vehicle stolen after he was stopped and assaulted by another man on the B7068. He was taken to hospital to be checked over. “A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.” The road remained closed at Fallford Bridge for most of Sunday, and villagers reported a high police presence, including a helicopter overhead.