A TEENAGER accused of attempted murder has denied stabbing a man in her Darlington home.

There were cries of "I love you" as Kelsie Godfrey was led from the dock by a prison officer at Teesside Crown Court almost two months after the alleged attack.

Wearing a grey jumper and her dark hair tied up in a ponytail, the 19-year-old, whose address was given in court as Warwick Square, pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted murder.

She is accused of stabbing a 35-year-old man in the chest at her-then home in Cockerton Green, Darlington, in the early hours of July 2 this year. It is understood the man is recovering from his injury.

But due to “court pressures” the teenager, who has been in prison since her arrest, is yet to receive a date and court for her trial.

Nicholas Lumley QC, defending, said he will consider asking for his client to be released on bail “given the unusual circumstances and her young age”. Godfrey’s custody time limit is due to expire at the end of the year.

He said: “The defendant would rather it be here than elsewhere but she doesn’t want to concede with the custody time limit. Given the unusual circumstances and her young age, a bail application may be made in due course.”

Judge Stephen Ashurst, who suggested the trial could be heard in Newcastle, said he “must keep an open mind” and listed the case to be mentioned at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, September 9 for further discussion over a trial date.

Addressing the teenager, he said: “I agree with the lawyers here for a timetable for your trial to be prepared. I can’t give you a precise date but I am aware I need to confirm a date within your custody time limit which expires on the 31st of this year.

“I understand you will prefer it to take place at Teesside but there is constant pressure in all of our courts. I will do everything for your case to be dealt with as soon as possible giving your age and personal circumstances.

“You are remanded in custody until Monday, September 9 when there will be more information available to firm up the date for your trial.”

Several family members in the public gallery shouted "I love you" as the teenager was led from the dock by a prison officer.