A MAN is to stand trial after being charged with the attempted murder of a woman who was found with stab wounds.

Emergency services were called to a house in Midhurst Close, Crawley, at around 3.30pm on May 1 following reports of an attack.

A woman was found with life-threatening injuries, and she was taken to hospital.

Abdul-malik Neal, 39, of Midhurst Close, was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted murder.

He was due to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Hove Crown Court on May 31 before Her Honour Judge Christine Henson QC but did not attend and no plea has yet been taken.

A trial date has now been set for October 17, and he is being represented by Teresa Hay.

At the time of the incident, Detective Inspector Kelly Lewis described it as a “violent attack that left a woman fighting for her life”.

She added: “We are pleased to have a suspect remanded in custody and I would like to reassure the public that this appears to be an isolated incident, with no wider threat to the community.

“We will continue to react swiftly and proactively to any reports of violence and will now look ahead to the forthcoming judicial process.”