BEVERLY — A Beverly man is being held without bail on attempted murder and other charges after attacking and trying to strangle his girlfriend early yesterday morning, police said.
Craig Blum, 24, of 21 Vestry St., pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, intimidation of a witness, threats to commit a crime, and domestic assault and battery charges at his arraignment yesterday in Salem District Court.
Beverly police were called shortly after midnight by a "hysterical" woman, according to a report.
When they arrived at Vestry Street, they found Blum outside. He told officers that his girlfriend was "out of control."
But inside, the woman told police that the two had gotten into an argument, during which Blum threw pizza at her, then pushed her into a wall and bent her leg back at the spot where she'd suffered a past injury.
Then, she told police, Blum shoved her to the floor and began to strangle her.
The woman was taken to Beverly Hospital with bruising to her neck and arms and abrasions on her legs and body.
She was still hospitalized yesterday morning, said prosecutor Gabrielle Foote Clark, who submitted photos of the woman's injuries to Judge Michael Lauranzano.
A lawyer representing Blum yesterday said he denies the allegations and insists that the woman was the "aggressor" in the fight.
Clark filed a motion seeking to have Blum held without bail as a danger to the woman. A hearing on that request is scheduled for Aug. 15. Meanwhile, Blum will remain in custody at Middleton Jail, Lauranzano ordered.
Courts reporter Julie Manganis may be reached at 978-338-2521 or at jmanganis@salemnews.com.
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