A man has appeared in court charged with stabbing a detective during an interview at a maximum-security prison.

David Taylor, formerly of Willington, County Durham, is charged with attempted murder following an incident at Frankland Prison, Durham, on July 23.

The 62-year-old appeared via a videolink for a five-minute hearing before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court where he was not asked to enter a plea.

The policeman suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance.


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Magistrates were told that the offence was so serious that it must be sent to the crown court.

The County Durham man, who was not legally represented, said he would apply for bail at a later date.

Chairman of the Bench Colling Morris remanded the defendant in custody ahead of his appearance at Teesside Crown Court on October 1.

Last month, the Greater Manchester Police detective who was injured was said to be recovering at home following treatment in hospital.