COURT UPDATE: Accused appears on attempted murder charge after alleged assault in Bar Bloo

A man accused of an attempted murder in a Sunderland city centre bar has appeared in court.
Georgina Cutler
By Georgina Cutler
Published 14th Feb 2022, 13:55 BST
Updated 16th Feb 2022, 12:04 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Rory Witten, 39, is alleged to have attacked victim Steven Finch in Bar Bloo, in Derwent Street, at 8pm on Sunday, February 13.

Witten, of Stavordale Street, Seaham, is also charged with possession of a bladed article.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He did not enter pleas to the charges when he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

Officers at the scene in Sunderland city centre.Officers at the scene in Sunderland city centre.
Officers at the scene in Sunderland city centre.

Magistrates remanded him into custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, March 16.

Prosecutor Glenda Beck said Witten and Mr Finch were not known to each other.

She also revealed Mr Finch was currently in an induced coma in hospital.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Addressing magistrates, Mrs Beck added: “As you know, attempted murder is an indictable offence, and the only venue is the crown court.”

A man has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged assault in Bar Bloo.A man has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged assault in Bar Bloo.
A man has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged assault in Bar Bloo.

Defence solicitor Jaxon Taylor did not make an application for bail.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of our news and sport, see fewer ads, experience faster load times, test your brain with daily puzzles and get access to exclusive newsletters.

Your support for our journalism means we can continue telling Sunderland’s stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe - and click here to get a snapshot of the Echo’s news and sport to your inbox through our email newsletters.