Overview

• Judge Guy Mathieson delivered the ruling at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday after hearing from two psychiatrists.
• A jury will convene for a finding-of-fact hearing on Wednesday to determine whether John Cowen committed the alleged act.
• Not guilty pleas will be entered on Cowen’s behalf because he has been deemed unfit to plead.
• Cowen appeared via videolink from Guild Lodge, a secure psychiatric unit where he is receiving treatment.
• He faces charges of section 18 wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article over an alleged knife attack on fellow contestant Thomas Carey at the 2024 Countdown in Blackpool event, after which Carey was taken to hospital.