Couple accused of shooting BB gun at kids set for trial

The 32-year-old mother of five is accused of two counts of causing actual bodily harm and five of ill treatment between June and November last year.

Her husband, 50, faces three allegations of causing actual bodily harm and five charges of ill treatment and neglect.

The couple, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, are accused of firing the gun at the children's legs with the BB gun as a form of chastisement.

The duo, from Blackpool, both deny the offences.

The dad sat side by side with the children's mum, who wore a jacket with a fluffy collar over a polo neck sweater in the dock at Preston Crown Court.

Prosecuting, Steve Parker told Judge Jonathan Gibson that the three girls and two boys, who also cannot be identified, had been interviewed by police and that the video interviews would be used in evidence at their parent's trial.

The judge renewed their conditional bail and said: "I've ordered the trial to take place on August 7 with an estimates of seven to eight days. You must keep in touch with your solicitors in case the arrangements change.

"If you don't attend for your trial, the trial might take place in your absence and you might be guilty of a bail act offence. We require a defence statement from each of you prepared by each of your lawyers, and you must make sure you give them the necessary instructions."