An x-ray showing the blade in Taitex Phlamachha's arm in Maidstone

by Keith Hunt

A man accused of trying to mug an ex-Gurkha soldier in Maidstone town centre appeared at the town's crown court today.

Jamie Hall, of Tumin House, Fairmeadow, Maidstone, is charged with attempting to rob Taitex Phlamachha of £1,000, causing him grievous bodily harm with intent and having a bladed article, a large kitchen knife.

Hall, 39, spoke only to be identified for the brief preliminary hearing by TV link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey.

He was remanded in custody until December 14, when he will enter pleas.

Taitex Phlamachha recovering in hospital after being stabbed in Maidstone

Dad-of-two Mr Phlamachha, who runs Namaste Off Licence in Sandling with his wife Asha, 38, was left with a six-inch blade in his arm in Week Street on October 7.

The couple were on their way home on the Sunday evening after using a cash machine.

Mr Phlamachha, a karate and taekwondo expert who served for 13 years with Maidstone's 36 Engineers, was treated at Maidstone Hospital and then transferred to Tunbridge Wells Hospital, where the blade was removed.

He had cuts to his arm, hands, face and neck - but Mr Phlamachha did not realise the blade was buried in his arm.