Bedford knifeman Barry Bell guilty of stabbing colleague
A financial adviser who stabbed his business partner on their way to a bank meeting in Bedford to discuss debts has been convicted of assault.
However, a Luton Crown Court jury cleared Barry Bell, 47, of Lindisfarne Priory, of the attempted murder of motor trader Gary Brown.
The two men set up in business this year and Bell had borrowed £40,000 from Mr Brown by the bank meeting in May.
He was also in heavy debt to others and feared the bank would reveal them.
The attack took place in The Broadway car park in Bedford as the two men waited to see their bank manager.
Bell, who had been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent as well as attempted murder, had earlier told Mr Brown he would get his money back.
However in April, a £15,000 cheque to Mr Brown bounced, the court heard.
The pair drove in one car to meet their bank manager in a bid to clarify the financial situation, the jury heard.
Prosecutor Timothy Godfrey said Mr Bell stabbed Mr Brown in the neck and chest.
After the verdict he was remanded in custody by Judge Richard Foster while pre-sentence reports are prepared.
No date was fixed for sentencing but the judge asked for probation reports, to consider if Bell could be categorised as a dangerous offender.