A MAN has appeared in court accused of attempting to murder his partner by stabbing her 36 times in his Chester home.

Keith White, 59, of Sealand Road, entered no plea when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court this morning (Tuesday, October 23).

He is alleged to have launched a brutal attack on 73-year-old Elaine Bancroft, his partner of 15 years, on the morning of Friday, April 20.

A former University of Chester employee who is now registered disabled, he has been living at a secure psychiatric unit since the date of the incident.

White was due to be released today and his lawyer Ken Heckle argued that he should be allowed bail.

However, magistrates decided that he should be remanded in custody after hearing the Crown Prosecution Service’s version of events.

White, said to be left disabled after falling off a ladder at work, was interviewed on a voluntary basis while in the Scott Clinic in St Helens.

Under advice from his solicitor he answered ‘no comment’ to all questions, the court was told. He was later charged on October 10.

Arguing for bail, Mr Heckle said White posed no flight risk and had no intention of contacting Miss Bancroft, who had moved out of the area.

He should be allowed to return to his home on Sealand Road under the supervision of mental health services and with a strict curfew, he said.

However, magistrates decided White posed too great a risk and remanded him in custody until his next hearing at Chester Crown Court later this month.