A MAN has been accused of attempting to murder his wife while she visited him in hospital.

Magistrates heard Peter Wachala, 59, allegedly hit his wife Lynn, 57, in the head with a rock as they sat together in the communal garden at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Tuesday.

Blackpool Magistrates Court heard Wachala, of Cleveleys Avenue, Cleveleys was visiting the hospital for treatment for an arm injury.

They couple have been married for more than 30 years spending much of that time in their home town of Accrington, the court was told.

Wachala was remanded in custody and will appear before Preston Crown Court on October 6 charged with attempted murder at the NHS hospital where it is understood an internal investigation into the incident is taking place.

His lawyer, Gerry Coyle, did not ask for bail for his client and said in court the case was 'a tragic one'.

He said: "My client has an unblemished character."