An inmate at a top security North East jail is to stand trial later this year accused of an attack on another prisoner using an improvised bladed weapon.

Daniel Service is alleged to have carried out the attack in the cell of another inmate at Frankland Prison, on the outskirts of Durham, on Saturday, January 7 this year.

He appeared at Durham Crown Court via video link from the prison at a plea hearing in the case today (Tuesday, August 1).

Following a brief conference with his counsel, Emma Fenn, prior to the hearing, the charge of wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on the other inmate was put to Service.

Read more: Dangerous offender admits attempted murder of fellow Frankland inmate

The 31-year-old defendant, from South Gloucestershire, pleaded not guilty.

He is accused of using the self-fashioned bladed weapon, on the other inmate in the incident, leaving the injured man covered with blood.

Asked by Judge James Adkin what would be the likely issue in the case, Miss Fenn said: “Self-defence and no intention to cause really serious injuries.

“There is no cctv footage of the incident from within the cell,” she added.

Judge Adkin adjourned the hearing for a trial, estimated to run for two days, to take place at the court later this year.

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A suitable date was pinpointed for the trial, starting at the court on November 29.

As part of the pre-trial administration of evidence, the defence was instructed to provide its case in full to the court by October 10, four weeks after the submission of the prosecution evidence.

Judge Adkin asked prosecution counsel, Uzma Khan, for the Crown to ensure the complainant in the case is able to give evidence by video link from a remote site, thereby not requiring him to be brought to the court during the course of the trial.