A MAN has admitted stabbing a 34-year-old male in Ellesmere Port after appearing in court today (June 18) to change his plea.

Anthony Gee, 45, of Raby Court, Ellesmere Port, appeared via videolink at Chester Crown Court before Recorder of Chester, Judge Steven Everett, who warned him that a substantial prison sentence was "inevitable".

The court heard that Gee had a "change of heart" having last week pleaded not guilty to three charges – wounding with intent, unlawful wounding and possession of a knife.

Today, Gee pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possession of a knife. A not guilty verdict was passed on count two – the less serious offence of unlawful wounding.

The charges relate to an incident at 11.56pm on Wednesday, May 13, when a 34-year-old man was seriously injured after being stabbed by the defendant at the junction of Cambridge Road and Whitby Road in Ellesmere Port.

The victim was airlifted to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool.

Derek Jones, prosecuting, accepted the pleas entered today and asked for the trial date set at the previous hearing to be vacated.

Simon Mills, defending, told the court that his client had a "change of heart", adding: "At the time of the incident he was effectively homeless and had been drinking quite heavily around that time."

Judge Everett told Gee he would be given credit for his guilty plea that would "make a difference for sure", but warned him that he faced a substantial custodial sentence.

Gee will be sentenced in the week commencing July 20 after the case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.