Seaham man denies attempted murder after alleged stabbing at Bar Bloo in Sunderland city centre

A man has denied attempted murder after an alleged stabbing at a city centre bar.

By Karon Kelly

Published 1st Jul 2022, 14:34 BST

Updated 1st Jul 2022, 14:42 BST

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Police received a report that a man had been assaulted inside Bar Bloo, in Derwent Street, off Park Lane in Sunderland city centre at 8pm on February 13, 2022.

Emergency services attended and found a man who had sustained serious neck injuries, consistent with being caused by a bladed article.

He was taken to hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Rory Witten, 39, of of Stavordale Street, Seaham, County Durham, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.At Newcastle Crown Court today (Friday, July 1, 2022) via video link to prison, he pleaded not guilty to both charges.

A trial had been due to take place next month but will now start on October 24, 2022.

At the hearing, Judge Robert Adams remanded Witten in custody in the meantime.