LAWYERS representing a Chester man accused of a knife attack outside a Blacon pub are applying to have the case dismissed.

Ricky Jones, 29, was due to appear at Chester Crown Court on Monday (May 28) when he was expected to enter a plea to the charge of wounding with intent.

But his barrister, Philip Tully, said the defence believed the prosecution had insufficient evidence to continue with the case.

Judge Simon Berkson set a date of July 26 when the ‘application to dismiss’ hearing will take place.

Meanwhile, a provisional trial date for the case was pencilled in for the week commencing September 3.

Bizarrely, Jones, of Earls Port, refused to come out of his cell at Altcourse prison for Monday’s video link hearing, despite having had a conference with his lawyers just half an hour previously.

Mr Tully said: “It’s taken me by surprise his attitude about not wanting to take part in the hearing.”

Rounding up proceedings, the judge added: “The court is upset at his failure to attend court today and wishes him to attend on the next occasion.

“I’m surprised he didn’t wish to attend to see what his counsel had to say.”

The case relates to an incident that happened outside the Waggon & Horses pub in Blacon on April 19 this year when a 30-year-old man sustained a serious injury to his neck.