A FALMOUTH man has denied causing grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving.

Lloyd Hibbitt, aged 52, of Melvill Lane, appeared in Truro Crown Court this morning to answer a total of three charges.

The alleged offences took place on February 26, 2018, when Mr Hibbitt drove a white Toyota Yaris on Swanpool Road and an unnamed road around Swanpool Lake.

As well as denying causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving, he pleaded not guilty to using or threatening unlawful violence, causing a person to fear for their safety.

He was released on unconditional bail pending a trial on December 9.

UPDATE: Court records show that after appearing at Truro Crown Court, three indictments were put to Mr Hibbitt. 

The first, indictment one, was charges of affray, attempt to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving. 

He entered not guilty pleas on July 16, 2019 but on February 13, 2020 the judge ruled that the defendant was not fit to plead. 

This indictment was 'stayed' on that date – the term given for when a judge decides that it would be bad for the justice system for the case to continue. This means the issue of guilt or innocence is never determined.

Indictment two involved three counts of affray and one of causing bodily harm by 'wanton and furious driving'. No pleas were ever taken on this indictment and no verdicts recorded as these were alternative counts.

Finally, indictment three was for three counts of dangerous driving and one of causing bodily harm by wanton and furious driving.

This did go to trial, which was listed on October 1, 2020. At that time Mr Hibbitt was found not fit to enter any pleas but a jury was sworn for a 'trial of fact'. These can take place when a court decides, following medical evidence, that a person is unfit to stand trial and instead a hearing takes place to determine whether the accused person committed the alleged acts. 

Although it cannot result in a conviction, it can see a person acquitted if the jury finds they did not commit the acts. 

However, in the case of Mr Hibbitt, the jury found that he did do the acts he was charged with in indictment three. 

He was sentenced on the same day and a hospital order was made, with no limit of time attached to the order.

  • This article has been updated to include the conclusion of the court hearings.