A Workington man has appeared in court accused of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm after a serious alleged assault in the town.
Detectives began an investigation after police were called out in the early hours of March 28 after concerns were raised for the welfare of a man.
Passers-by found him in a back lane off Milburn Street in Workington.
He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with serious injuries and in a critical but stable condition, a force spokesman said at the time.
Earlier today, a prosecutor told Carlisle Crown Court he understood the man was still in hospital.
He made the comment as 34-year-old Eddie Coid, of Thomas Road, Workington, appeared in front of a judge remotely, over a video link.
During a short hearing, Coid pleaded not guilty to one charge which alleges he unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to the man with intent to do so.
He will now stand trial in front of a jury at the crown court. The trial is due to start on August 8 and, it is estimated, will last around four days.
In the meantime Coid was remanded in custody. He was reminded by the judge to assist his legal team in the preparation of a statement which sets out his defence to the allegations, and the issues he takes with he prosecution case.
