A MAN who stabbed and slashed his brother has denied intending to seriously harm him.

Nicholas Trueman, 57, admits causing brother Richard Trueman his injuries during a scuffle on January 31, but he was more reckless than acting deliberately.

He pleaded not guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court, but his lawyer said he would accept the lesser charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, asked prosecutors to consider the alternative charge, and adjourned the case for a fortnight.

Trueman, of Barbara Mann Court, Hartlepool, appeared in court via a live video-link from Durham Prison, and was further remanded into custody until March 15.

Judge Bourne-Arton said: “I think it is capable of being sorted out bearing in mind his lack of previous convictions.”

The victim says he was knifed in the face, chest and body, prosecutor Harry Hadfield told the court.