An interim hospital order has been passed to temporarily accommodate a man convicted of stabbing a stranger in an unprovoked assault at a city centre bar.

Rory Witten was convicted of attempted murder and possessing a bladed article, arising from the random attack on another customer in Bar Bloo, Sunderland, on the evening of Sunday February 13, last year.

The now 40-year-old defendant, of Stavordale Street, Seaham, County Durham, was said to have been on a solo “pub crawl” around bars in his home town and then in Sunderland city centre, before attending Bar Bloo.

He was asked to leave at one stage, having thrown a pool cue after becoming angry, and he also claimed to have been an MMA fighter, but a witness said he believed he was, “talking rubbish”.

Read more: Seaham man convicted of attempted murder in Bar Bloo, Sunderland

It was said that then, without warning, he took out a knife from his coat pocket and slashed across the throat the only other drinker in the premises at the time, before stabbing him to the rear of his neck and to the back.

The victim, a 48-year-old Sunderland man, lost two litres of blood and needed life-saving surgery, but survived thanks to the rapid surgical intervention at hospital.

Witten denied both charges relating to the attack but was found guilty following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, in October.

Trial judge, Mr Justice Stephen Morris, told Witten he faced, “a substantial custodial sentence” and adjourned to allow for preparation of medical and probation background reports.

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

The case came back before the court this week (Thursday April 27) when the judge was told that arising from reports of now three psychiatrists, who consider the defendant has suffered from a mental health disorder, further assessment was required at a medium secure facility.

Defence counsel, Ian Mullarkey said the latest report confirmed that would be, “the right course” to take at this stage with a place now available at a mental health facility near York.

He said an interim hospital order could be made for up to 12 weeks, before requiring renewal, under the Mental Health Act.

Read next:

* Rory Witten in court for attempted murder in Sunderland

* Attempted murder after stabbing at Bar Bloo in Sunderland

* Rory Witten in court for attempted murder in Sunderland

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Matthew Bean, prosecuting, said the Crown also accepts to findings of the report.

Mr Justice Morris, therefore, passed the interim hospital order, which will allow for the defendant’s transfer from HMP Durham, where he has been on remand in custody awaiting sentence, to the mental health facility Stockton House, near York.

The order will remain in force for 12 weeks, when the judge will ask for an updated assessment on Witten’s condition, prior to sentence being formally passed.