Seaham man convicted of attempted murder in Bar Bloo, Sunderland

Rory Witten, 40, of Stavordale Street, in Seaham, was convicted of attempted murder and possessing a bladed article in public, following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, in October last year.

The offences arose from a random attack on another drinker in Bar Bloo, in Sunderland, on Sunday February 13, last year.

It was said the defendant had been drinking in several other bars in Sunderland city centre before arriving at Bar Bloo, in Derwent Street, shortly before 8pm.

Read more: Seaham man Rory Witten guilty of stabbing in Bar Bloo, Sunderland

He stood next to the other man, who was talking to the DJ and bar staff.

The prosecution said that, without warning, the defendant took a knife from his coat pocket and slashed the other man across the throat, before stabbing him to the rear of his neck and to the back.

No words were said to have been exchanged between the attacker and his victim, who said he did not know Witten.

As the defendant was forcibly removed the premises, emergency services were called to the bar and when police arrived they found the 48-year-old victim with multiple serious stab wounds.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but following emergency treatment survived.

An investigation was launched to locate Witten, who had fled the scene after being ejected from the bar.

Within 24 hours, officers used CCTV and forensic evidence to track down the suspect, who was arrested and later charged.

Despite his continued denials, he was convicted following trial and sentence was adjourned for psychiatric and Probation Service reports to be prepared.

The trial judge, Mr Justice Stephen Morris, remanded him in custody and told Witten he would be facing a, “substantial custodial sentence”, once the reports were compiled.

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

The case came back before the court today (Friday March 31), when defence counsel, Ian Mullarkey, said a psychiatrist has assessed the defendant as being suitable for admission to Roseberry Park, a mental health hospital in Middlesbrough, once a bed becomes available at the facility.

Witten remains on remand, at the moment, in Durham Prison.

Mr Mullarkey said there has been repeated communication with Roseberry Park as to when a bed might become available, but, following a meeting earlier this week, it was decided to out-source a bed at Stockton House, another mental health facility, in York.

But he said that would require additional funding being sought and approved.

A further response is awaited from Roseberry Park within the next seven days.

The judge said he would set another hearing date for May 5 in the hope that progress had been made confirming a suitable bed had been located and funded at Stockton House, with a view to making an interim mental health order.

Addressing the defendant, who appeared by video link from Durham Prison, the judge told Wittern: “I hope you are aware that what we are trying to do is to find a place for you in a hospital so there can be further assessment of your condition.

Read next:

* Rory Witten in court for attempted murder in Sunderland

* Attempted murder after stabbing at Bar Bloo in Sunderland

* Prison for thug after stabbing in Wheatsheaf pub, Sunderland

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“I am, together with counsel, doing our utmost to move this process along.

“We have asked for a response from the hospital within seven days and we have fixed a further hearing for May 5 to see how much further along we have got by then.”

Mr Justice Morris added: "We are trying to find the best way forward as far as sentencing is concerned.”