A 20-YEAR-old Carlisle man has appeared in a court accused of intentionally causing a man grievous bodily harm in Carlisle city centre.

Robert Lawless, of Oaklands Drive, Upperby, Carlisle, appeared at the city's Rickergate court this morning.

Appearing in the glass-fronted dock of Court Number 1, flanked by two security staff, the defendant spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

He is charged with intentionally causing the injured man grievous bodily harm.

A Cumbria Police investigation was launched early on Saturday morning after a 55-year-old man suffered a serious head injury near Carlisle city centre.

In court today, the injured man was named as Derek Broughton.

The 55-year-old is currently undergoing treatment at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he remains in a critical condition.

His injuries are "life changing," the court heard.

The defendant's solicitor John Smith said that at this stage in the case, Lawless would not be entering a plea to the allegation before the court.

The police investigation began after officers were called to Robert Street, which leads from Crown Street, off Botchergate, by the North West Ambulance Service at 4.54am on Saturday

Mr Broughton, from Carlisle, suffered a bleed on the brain.

Magistrates today sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court for a hearing on July 12.

The defendant was remanded in custody.

Police this morning, meanwhile, continued to appeal for information.

They want to hear from anybody who may have been passing by this area at about this time to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “If anyone was in the area of Robert Street, James Street and Crown Street, between 4am and 5am, they are asked to think back and see if they remember anything that might help our investigation.

“Please contact us if you have any information that might assist the inquiry.”

If you have any information, please call 101, referring to log 51 of June 8.