A 16-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with stabbing police dog Finn and his handler PC Dave Wardell in Stevenage.

The boy from Lewisham, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court only to confirm his name.

He pleaded not guilty to assaulting PC Wardell and to causing criminal damage to Finn on October 6 – the latter charge prompting a petition to change the law to better reflect the role of police animals.

The boy admitted separate charges of possessing a combat knife and a gas propelled BB gun.

The seven-year-old German shepherd received severe stab wounds after chasing a suspect in Stevenage on October 5. His handler PC Dave Wardell was also stabbed in the hand.

Finn recovered after life-saving surgery and has since returned to police work.

The trial, which was due to start today, was adjourned after a lengthy debate between defence and prosecution councils on legal points.

It will now be heard at the same court on March 2.

The boy has been bailed with conditions not to visit Hertfordshire other than to appear in court.