A HEARING is under way to determine if a Kirkby Lonsdale man attempted to kill his wife at their home in the town.

Peter Horbury, 80, is accused of attempting to murder his wife during an incident on October 26 last year.

A finding of fact case began at Sessions House, Preston, this morning (March 13).

His attendance was excused at a hearing yesterday, during which it was heard he has severe dementia and Alzheimer's and is therefore unfit to face trial.

Judge Graham Knowles QC swore in a jury of seven men and five women before barrister Andrew Charles Brown began outlining the case for the prosecution.

Kimberley Obrusick, defending, is not expected to challenge evidence, it was heard.

The hearing is expected to conclude tomorrow.

See Thursday's edition of The Westmorland Gazette for a full report.