A MAN accused of a stabbing in Kinson days before his father was shot by police has been found not guilty.

Kevin Sherwood junior, 38 and of Craigmoor Avenue, Bournemouth, was accused of causing grievous bodily harm after an incident in Wimborne Road, Kinson just after 7pm on Thursday, August 2 last year.

Prosecutors claimed he stabbed Keelan Maidment in the back, head and hand.

On August 8, Mr Sherwood’s father Kevin Sherwood senior, 60 and of Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, suffered an injury to his arm in an incident outside the Broadway pub in Castle Lane West.

He was later charged with assisting an offender and dangerous driving, and will face a trial in the coming months.

Prosecutors allege he drove a Mercedes through an enforced stop which was being carried out by armed officers with intent to impede the arrest of Kevin Sherwood junior.

He has pleaded not guilty to both charges and will appear for trial next year.

On the first day of a planned trial at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday, Mr Sherwood junior was formally found not guilty of the charge of committing grievous bodily harm after Mr Maidment failed to arrive at court.

It was heard that repeated attempts had been made to contact the complainant. When a police officer contacted the last known number and asked if he was available, the call was terminated.

Jane Rowley, prosecuting, said : “Keelan isn’t supporting the prosecution. We do not have a realistic prospect of securing a conviction.”

Judge Brian Forster QC said: “It’s relatively straightforward – either you have got the evidence to proceed, or you haven’t.”

The judge said proceedings could be adjourned until Friday to give prosecutors time. But Ms Rowley said: “I am not in a position to proceed and therefore I formally offer no evidence.”

The judge recorded a not guilty verdict, but told Mr Sherwood: “You are free to go – go carefully. You don’t want to find yourself in another situation like this.”