A MAN has appeared in court accused of stabbing another man in a town centre, which was busy with shoppers attending its weekly market.

William Edward Weatherell appeared before magistrates at Peterlee this morning in connection with an incident that occurred in Ferryhill, County Durham, yesterday lunchtime.

The 64 year-old, from Church Lane, Ferryhill, faced charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife.

No pleas were entered and the case was adjourned to Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on October 3. Mr Weatherell was remanded into custody until his next court appearance.

The injured man, 29-year-old Paul Hutchinson, also known as Paul Short, who is from the town, remains in hospital. Police have this morning described his condition as comfortable.

Two other men arrested in connection with the incident, aged 24 and 57, have been released pending further inquiries.