A NORTH EAST man charged with attempted murder after a suspected stabbing at a city bar will face trial later this year.

Rory Witten, 39, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, via a video link on Wednesday (March 16), in connection with the incident in Bar Bloo, in Derwent Street, Sunderland.

At an earlier hearing, magistrates sitting in South Tyneside heard Steven Finch had suffered a neck wound during the alleged incident on February 13.

He was taken to hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Read more: Rory Witten in court for attempted murder in Sunderland

Mr Witten, of Stavordale Street, Seaham, is accused of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

In court today, he was not asked to plead to either of the charges today.

Ian Mullarkey, appearing for Mr Witten applied for a fitness to plea hearing, which will be held on June 7.

The trial has been listed to begin on July 25.

Judge Penny Moreland remanded Mr Witten him in custody.

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