A man has made his first appearance before a crown court accused of stabbing a passer-by near a popular Northumberland tourist attraction.
John Lundy was charged with one count of wounding with intent after he allegedly attacked Mark Robinson in The Pastures, near Alnwick Castle, in June.
The 41-year-old appeared at Newcastle Crown Court via video link from HMP Durham on Thursday.
The charge was not put to Lundy, of Windsor Gardens, Alnwick, as his fitness to plead was being investigated.
A trial date was provisionally set for October 26, with a time estimate of two days.
In the meantime, a medical report will be produced on Lundy to establish his fitness to enter a plea.
Liam O'Brien, defending, said: "A report could be prepared within two weeks but, with the lockdown situation, it could take longer."
Further remanding Lundy in custody, Judge Christopher Prince said: "I think we should list this case for a further case management hearing at stage 2 and we can view what has been said by the defence."
Lundy will next appear via video link at the same court on September 4.
As previously reported on Chroniclelive, Lundy is alleged to have stabbed Mr Robinson on the evening of June 16.
The 48-year-old suffered "serious but not life-threatening" injuries and was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary after being treated for heavy blood loss at the scene.
Police cordoned off the nearby Lion Bridge as multiple ambulances and the Great North Air Ambulance attended and an investigation was launched.
The following day, divers from the police's marine unit could be seen carrying out a thorough search of the River Aln.
Neighbourhood Inspector John Swan, one of the investigating officers, said at the time: "We believe this to be an isolated incident and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the assault."
