A TRIAL will take place later this year in the case of a man accused of a stabbing in his home village.

Sean Oliver is accused of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing a bladed article in public, namely a knife.

Both offences are said to have taken place in Esh Winning, County Durham, on Sunday, January 4.

The victim suffered a stab wound to the torso which required hospital treatment.

Appearing via video link to Durham Crown Court, from the nearby prison, 20-year-old Mr Oliver, of Redwood, Esh Winning, today (Tuesday March 24) denied both charges.

His barrister, Tony Davis, said the defence is seeking expert evidence of a pathologist over the nature of the wound inflicted, in support of the defendant’s case.

A medical report from the trauma team at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary which treated the victim will also be passed to the defence.

The case was adjourned for a trial, expected to run for two days, starting at the court on Wednesday, June 10.

Judge Simon Hickey remanded the defendant to remain in custody pending the start of the trial.