A MAN who stabbed another man several times has admitted carrying out the knife attack.

Graham Clarke, 24, who was initially charged with attempted murder, pleaded guilty to the less serious charge of wounding with intent.

He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday in connection with attack on a 25-year-old man in Consett, County Durham.

It took place in Forster Street in the early hours of October 3 last year.

The victim was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for treatment and was subsequently discharged.

Clarke, of Woody Close, also pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order on October 3.

The court was told Clarke he had damaged a BMW car on July 23.

He pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage in relation to that matter.

Clarke entered his plea to the lesser charge before the trial got underway.

It had been due to start on Monday but the court heard Clarke had refused leave his cell in Holme House Prison where he is being held.

Counts of attempted criminal damage on August 23, breach of a restraining order on September 28 and criminal damage on October 2 are to lie on file.

Proceedings were overseen by a judge from the High Court, Mr Justice Langstaff, who formally returned a ‘not guilty’ verdict for the attempted murder charge.

Clarke was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing of Friday, April 7.

The hearing was adjourned so pre-sentence reports could be prepared by the Probation Service and the issue of dangerousness could be assessed.

The judge said: “I will hear what has to be said for you and against you and consider any reports. You will then know what awaits.”

Clarke, who wore a grey jumper and grey jogging bottoms, waved to loved ones as he was led from the grass-fronted dock of court one.