A north Belfast man is set to stand trial next year facing multiple charges, including the attempted murder of a woman.
Conneth Paul Johnston, 28, of Forthriver Park, appeared in the dock at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday to answer four charges connected to an incident dating back two years. After confirming his identity to the court clerk, Johnston entered "not guilty" pleas to all charges put before him.
He is charged with attempting to murder a woman on August 23, 2024, with the offence aggravated by reason of domestic abuse. He also denied a charge of aggravated burglary on the same date, which alleges he trespassed into a property on Ballynure Street with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm while armed with a knife.
In addition, Johnston pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal damage regarding a window belonging to the complainant, as well as assaulting police on the same date.
During the arraignment, defence barrister Michael Ward informed Judge Philip Gilpin that no expert reports are expected to be required ahead of the proceedings. A Crown barrister also indicated to the court that an application for special measures is being made for the complainant due to the nature of the alleged offences.
While specific details of the incident were not detailed during Wednesday's hearing, a previous court sitting heard the PSNI's case that a woman in her 20s suffered stab wounds after an intruder forced entry into a city residence.
The Belfast Recorder scheduled the trial to begin on March 8, 2027, with a case review due to take place at the end of this month. Johnston was remanded back into custody following the hearing.