Man faces trial over alleged drug deal knife slash

A man will go to trial in Geraldton after pleading not guilty to a knife-slashing last year which police believe was the result of a drug deal that went wrong. It is alleged Jayden Mitchell Dean and a woman drove to a residential address in Sunset Beach on August 14 intending to purchase drugs. In Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, prosecutor acting Sgt Paul White said the pair arrived at 3pm with the woman entering the home while Mr Dean remained sitting in the car. “A short time later the female emerged being pursued by the occupant,” he said. “The accused grabbed a large knife from under his car seat and exited the vehicle threatening the man.” Police say a confrontation then broke out between the two men before the 27-year-old allegedly swung the knife, slashing the alleged victim across the face. “The strike caused deep lacerations to his cheek exposing bone and requiring hospitalisation,” acting Sgt White said. The pair then fled the scene, however, Mr Dean was arrested a short time later and charged with unlawful wounding. In court, lawyer Eva Svanburg said the defence team had received disclosure from police and were ready to fight the charge. Mr Dean, who has since moved to Perth, will reappear in the same court on July 8 for a one-day trial on the matter. “This is a very serious crime you’re accused off,” Magistrate Chris Miocevich told the man who appeared on a telephone call. “You need to be up in Geraldton on that date for trial.”