A KESWICK man who was originally charged with attempting to murder his partner has admitted the lesser allegation of intentional wounding.

Appearing before Carlisle Crown Court via a video link from Durham Prison, 55-year-old Daniel Christian Holden formally entered a not guilty plea to the charge that he attempted to murder his partner on July 5.

He did, however, admit the alternative charge that he had intentionally caused his long-term partner grievous bodily harm.

The prosecution case is that he struck the woman over the head with an axe-type weapon. The extent of the injury she sustained was not outlined in court.

In court, prosecutor Kim Whittlestone said a victim impact statement was yet to be obtained while Judge Nicholas Barker said that he wants to see relevant medical evidence about the injury caused before passing sentence.

He also stipulated that he would need to know about the injured woman’s current state of health.

The judge told Holden, whose address was given as Station Road, Keswick: “You have now entered a plea of guilty to this charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

"Most of the evidence I need before I can pass sentence has been obtained, but I will need an up-to-date medical report on [the victim].

“I will also need an up-to-date pre-sentence report. I will pass sentence on December 13.” In the meantime, the defendant will remain remanded in custody.

Holden spoke only to confirm his personal details and to enter his pleas. The denied attempted murder charge will be officially marked with a note that Holden had pleaded to an alternative allegation.

Miss Whittlestone, for he prosecution, confirmed that this resolution of the case was acceptable. Holden was represented in court by defence barrister Tariq Khawam.