AN Evesham man will go on trial accused of trying to kill another man.

Giana Budor, of Waterside, pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder following the incident that took place in Bridge Street, Evesham, during the early hours of Sunday, September 26.

A man in his 30s received a single stab would to the abdomen and was initially taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch before later being transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

The day after a police cordon was in place all day, outside the entrance to Abbey Park on Bridge Street.

Budor, 42, appeared on videolink wearing a grey top and spoke through a Romanian interpreter. After confirming his identity the charge was put to him, and Budor answered: "Not guilty, I didn't do anything".

Judge James Burbidge QC, the Recorder of Worcester, asked Jason Aris, defending Budor, to confirm that Budor's defence was that he did not have a knife.

Mr Aris replied: "Yes your honour.

"He denies causing the injury, didn't carry the knife, and asserts the claimant was the aggressor towards him."

Jonathan Barker, prosecuting, then read out the stage dates, when reports and evidence for the case needs to be disclosed by prosecution and defence, with the final date set for January 26 next year.

Judge Burbridge then asked Mr Aris if he had told the defendant that, if he is guilty, he ought to plead guilty so a sentencing judge could discount a sentence, Mr Aris confirming he had spoken to his client on this.

Judge Burbridge then told Budor his trial date was set for March 28 next year, with the trial expected to take four days.

He added: "A jury of 12 people will try you at this crown court.

"You must come out of your cell to attend that trial. If you fail to do so the trial will proceed in your absence.

"By the 15th of December you must set out your defence in writing with the assistance of your lawyers.

"If on reflection you believe you are guilty of any charge related to the wounding of the complaint, you should indicate that to your lawyers so you can plead guilty, and then sentence might be reduced."