A CHARD man charged with wounding with intent has had his plea hearing delayed so he can have a mental health assessment.

Ludas Steponavicius appeared at Taunton Crown Court today (April 23) via video link from HMP Bristol charged with the offence which is alleged to have taken place on March 21.

The 30-year-old defendant, of Holyrood Street, was alleged to have unlawfully and maliciously wounded Donatas Rinkauskas with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.

Defending, Harry Ahuja, said Steponavicius suffers from mental health problems and asked Judge David Ticehurst to adjourn his plea hearing so a psychiatric assessment can be carried out.

Steponavicius did not enter a plea and Judge Ticehurst adjourned the hearing.

When Steponavicius was arrested last month, Avon and Somerset police confirmed that it was following reports of a stabbing at a flat in Holyrood Street.

A man was taken to hospital after the incident but was not in a serious condition.