A MAN is to stand trial later this year over an alleged attack on a woman in which she suffered serious injuries last month.

David James Francis is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding the woman with intent to do her grievous bodily harm, in the incident on Tuesday, March 8.

The victim is said to have suffered fractured and dislocated ribs, chest bleeding and a displaced fracture of the calf bone.

Appearing via video link from Durham Prison, where he is on remand, the 35-year-old defendant, of Elm Terrace, Coronation, Bishop Auckland, pleaded not guilty.

The case was adjourned for a trial to be heard at the court starting on Wednesday, July 13.

Read more: Judge defers sentence on Bishop Auckland burglar until later this year

Judge James Adkin set a timetable in which the defendant must assist in the preparation of the defence case, to be presented to the court by May 27.

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