A MAN has appeared via video link to a court accused of committing a stabbing which resulted in the victim being airlifted to hospital.

Michael Joseph Watson, 48, of Osbert Place, Newton Aycliffe, is charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing a bladed article in public.

It stems from an incident in Reeth Place, Newton Aycliffe, on Friday, June 12, at about 6.30pm.

The victim, a 32-year-old man, suffered abdominal injuries and was taken by helicopter ambulance for treatment at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

During today’s (Monday June 29) short preliminary hearing at Durham Crown Court, no charges were put to Mr Watson, who was appearing via video link from Holme House Prison, in Stockton.

But he did tell the court he wanted to change his legal representation and so Judge Christopher Prince agreed to adjourn the hearing for a fortnight to allow him to meet his lawyers in prison to resolve the issue.

The case will next be heard, also by video link, from the prison to the court, on Monday, July 13.