A YOUNG woman remained in intensive care yesterday five days after being stabbed repeatedly in her own home.

The 21-year-old remains in the intensive care unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital undergoing treatment for wounds to the head, face, shoulders and neck.

She was taken to the hospital from a house in Easington Colliery, in east Durham, after a call to emergency services from the property at about 8pm last Friday.

Details of the incident emerged yesterday as a 23- year-old man appeared at Durham Crown Court accused of carrying out the attack.

Carl Damien Lunn, said to be the woman’s boyfriend, was arrested at the house, in Angus Street, on Friday. He is charged with wounding the woman with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm.

The case was sent to the crown court by North Durham magistrates, in Peterlee, where Mr Lunn appeared for a brief hearing on Monday.

Asked by Judge Christopher Prince about the nature of the injuries in the incident, Jennifer Haigh, prosecuting, told yesterday’s crown court hearing: “It is my understanding that she is still in intensive care receiving treatment after being stabbed up to nine times.

“She has stab wounds to her head, face and shoulders, and, I understand, also to the neck.

“Although I’m not aware of the exact medical position, she is expected to survive, although she is expected to have to remain in hospital for some time.

“She has been able to speak to police officers, but it has not yet been possible to take a full statement from her.

“At this stage, the level of the charge is a wounding with intent. Whether it remains at that, or whether it is altered to another charge, depends on further evidence being obtained.”

Joe Hedworth, for Mr Lunn, said there was likely to be alibi defence put forward by his client.

The case was adjourned for a plea hearing to take place at the court in eight weeks’ time.

Both defence and prosecution also agreed on a provisional trial date, should it be needed, to start on May 16.

Mr Lunn, of Angus Street, Easington Colliery, was remanded in custody until a plea hearing on March 30.