A TRIAL date has been set in the case of a Chester man accused of attempting to murder his partner of 15 years.

Keith White, 59, of Sealand Road, entered no plea when he appeared at Chester Crown Court this morning (Tuesday, November 20).

Ken Heckle, defending, requested a further adjournment for the possible preparation of a psychiatric report.

White will next appear before the court on January 22 next year when it is expected that he will enter a plea to the single charge of attempted murder.

Judge Steven Everett, the new Recorder of Chester, set a provisional trial date of April 8, 2019.

White is alleged to have stabbed 73-year-old Elaine Bancroft 36 times on the morning of April 20 this year.

A former University of Chester employee who is now registered disabled, he appeared in court via video link from Altcourse prison in Liverpool.