A MAN has appeared in court accused of trying to kill his long-term partner.

Leslie Walt had been in a relationship with his alleged victim, Clive Wilson, for 25 years, Newcastle Crown Court heard today (Tuesday, December 23).

But he has been charged with Mr Wilson’s attempted murder.

No pleas were entered during today’s brief preliminary hearing but Daniel Cordey, for Mr Walt, 49, of Brook Cottages, Crookhall, Consett, County Durham, said his client would plead not guilty to attempted murder.

“He was in a relationship for 25 years with the victim. It’s a very raw time for him,” Mr Cordey told the court.

Prosecutor Jonathan Devlin invited Judge Paul Sloan to set a timetable for progressing the case.

Mr Walt, who appeared via a video link from Durham Prison, will be back before Newcastle Crown Court for a plea hearing on Friday, March 27, and his trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 20, and last for at least three days.

No application was made for bail and he was remanded in custody.