A man accused of slashing a toddler’s throat and cutting a schoolgirl’s face has appeared in court.
Kulvinder Ram, 48, allegedly attacked two children, aged two and eight, and a woman who tried to protect them at a house in Dagenham, East London.
Ram faces three charges of attempted murder following the incident on October 25.
He appeared at Barkingside Magistrates Court, where he was assisted by a Punjabi interpreter.
The attack took place on First Avenue in Dagenham, East London
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The court heard that the attack involved “slashing the throat” of the two-year-old boy and cutting the girl’s face from the corner of her mouth to her ear.
The woman, reported to be in her 30s, sustained injuries while attempting to shield the children from Ram’s attack.
All three victims were treated in hospital for their stab wounds, which fortunately were not life-threatening.
Prosecutor Jeannel Evelyn Ambrose detailed the severity of the assault to the court.
She stated that Ram had “attacked all three complainants with a knife”.
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The man was arrested and charged with attempted murder following the attack
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Family members of the alleged victims were present in court during the hearing.
Ram, dressed in a grey prison tracksuit, stared at the floor throughout the proceedings.
District Judge Jonathan Moffatt deemed the case too serious for the magistrates’ court to handle and told Ram: “For the time being, I’m sending your case to the Old Bailey.”
Ms Ambrose emphasised the gravity of the charges and opposed bail for Ram.
Ram, of Dagenham, remained silent during the brief hearing, only speaking to confirm his name and address.
The case has been transferred to the Old Bailey due to the severity of the alleged crimes and the young age of two of the victims.
The 48-year-old has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on November 11.
Judge Moffatt explained the expedited timetable, citing the young age of one of the victims.
He told the defendent: “You will be produced there on November 11 for a pre-trial preparation hearing.”