THE stabbing victim attacked outside a PureGym in Cheshire West has been told he can provide pre-recorded evidence at the trial of the man accused of his attempted murder.

The 20-year-old suffered horrific injuries, when he was allegedly set upon by Samson Price, outside the Leicester Street gym in Northwich on September 23 last year.

Price, a 47-year-old of Sefton Road in Wigan, was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Despite admitting the second of those counts, Price, appearing at Chester Crown Court via videolink on Wednesday, January 19, denies he had any intention to kill.

During the brief hearing, Judge Steven Everett, Honorary Recorder of Chester, approved a request from the Crown Prosecution Service for the complainant to pre-record his evidence.

The application had been made under section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, as a result of the injuries sustained in the attack, leaving him with a disability.

As well as breaking a bone in his leg, the 20-year-old also suffered a severed nerve and potentially permanent mobility issues.

Judge Everett said: "I am quite satisfied that this witness suffers from a disability and he therefore qualified to give his evidence under section 28.

"He suffered horrendous injuries in an unlawful attack, which the defendant accepts causing, although he denies an intention to kill."

Price was remanded in custody at HMP Altcourse and will next appear at Chester Crown Court at a ground rules hearing on February 22.