A TAUNTON woman will stand trial later this month in relation to a “revenge attack” on a local council estate.
Police officers were called out to an address on Roman Road on March 5 following reports of a stabbing and a subsequent attack which left several people hospitalised.
Paige Ford, of Roman Road, appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Court the following morning (March 6) and pleaded not guilty to two courts of causing grievous bodily harm.
Her case has been committed to Taunton Crown Court due to the severity of the charges, with her trial set to begin on April 29.
Initial reports of the alleged incident were published by Somerset Council ahead of a meeting on March 24 of its tenants strategic group, which brings together local councillors, officers and representatives from council estates within the former Somerset West and Taunton area.
A spokesman stated in a written report to the committee: “We had a very serious incident happen on the Halcon estate on Wednesday, March 5, resulting in someone being stabbed and then a revenge attack which resulted in several others being hospitalised.
“We worked closely with Avon and Somerset Constabulary and carried out door-to-door visits to help calm down community tension.
“The police will be keeping a high profile on the estate until the situation calms down.
“The incident involved two households, and we are now working with our solicitors to see what swift legal action we can take to deal with this.”
The police have subsequently confirmed that the alleged incident took place on Roman Road and also involved three men, all of whom have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
A spokesman said: “A woman was charged and three men arrested on Wednesday, March 5, after a report of disorder in Roman Road in Taunton.
“We were called shortly after midnight and officers attended and various allegations and counter-allegations were made at the scene.
“Three people sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment. However, their injuries were neither life-threatening nor life-changing.
“Four people – one woman and three men – were arrested. The three men have since been released on police bail while the investigation continues.
“Paige Ford, 28, of Taunton was charged with two counts of causing grievous bodily harm.
“At Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 6, she pleaded not guilty and was remanded to appear at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday, April 29.
“Anyone with any information should call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5225056766.”