A Whitehaven man has appeared before a district judge in connection with an alleged stabbing in the town earlier this week.

Gerard Martin Murphy, 61, is facing three allegations.

The first is that he intentionally attempted to wound and cause grievous bodily harm to a 43-year-old man - one of his neighbours.

A black-handled knife was allegedly the weapon used he used on May 21, say prosecutors.

The second charge is that he assaulted the same man, causing him actual bodily harm, during the same incident.

The final allegation is that Murphy, of Brakeside Gardens, Woodhouse, possessed a knife without lawful authority in a public place.

The charge states that it was a black-handled knife, though no further details were revealed.

The defendant, appearing at Carlisle's Rickergate court building this morning, spoke only to confirm his identity and say that he would not enter any pleas at this stage.

Bearded, and bespectacled, the defendant wore a smart suit and tie as he stood in the glass-fronted dock, flanked by two two security staff.

He was represented by defence lawyer Mike Pope.

District Judge Gerald Chalk sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court for a hearing on June 24. In the meantime, the defendant will be remanded in custody, added the judge.

The case lasted a little over 10 minutes.