TWO prisoners are to stand trial over an alleged eye-blinding razor attack on another inmate.

Abdul Kefia and Derek Pallas were on remand awaiting trials scheduled last year, at the time of the incident, on Christmas Eve, 2018.

Both were detained in C-wing of Durham Prison, as was the complainant.

It is alleged Kefia pinned the complainant against a wall, while accomplice, Pallas, produced part of a razor blade which he used to slash the victim across the left side of the face, causing him to suffer a permanent loss of vision in the left eye.

Kefia, 27, from Byker, Newcastle, and Pallas, 37, of Sycamore Park, Brandon, denied responsibility. Both are charged with unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm.

A plea hearing was staged at Durham Crown Court, sitting at Newcastle, but, due to technical difficulties neither defendant could be connected via video link from HMP Northumberland and Full Sutton, near York.

But the court was told by their counsel, Chris Morrison, for Kefia, and Robin Turton, for Pallas, they are to deny the charge and are seeking expert medical evidence to prove their case.

Judge James Adkin adjourned for a trial of up to five days, starting on July 22, by which time sittings should have resume in Durham. Both defendants remain remanded in custody