A MAN has appeared in court charged with possessing an offensive weapon after a woman was attacked in Farnworth town centre.

Craig Gibbons, aged 39, appeared before Bolton Magistrates’ Court charged with attempted robbery.

He was also charged with possessing a bladed article and possessing an offensive weapon.

Gibbons, of Lobelia Avenue, Farnworth, appeared in court on Thursday, April 11 and was remanded in custody.

The Bolton News previously reported that a woman, described as being in her 50s, was attacked outside The Market Hotel, in Brackley Street, Farnworth, on April 10.

Members of staff from the venue noticed the incident through the pub window and ran outside.

Two members of staff chased a man and held him down until police arrived, while others came to the aid of the woman.

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “The victim, a 58-year-old woman, was attacked in Brackley Street at around 7.30pm on the evening of Wednesday, April 10.

“Craig Gibbons, of Lobelia Avenue, Farnworth, appeared before Bolton Magistrates’ Court on April 11, 2019, charged with attempted robbery, possession of a bladed article and possession of an offensive weapon.

“He was remanded in custody.”