The Crown Court case against a man accused of stabbing a neighbour in an Exeter graveyard has been adjourned to allow more time for a psychiatric assessment.
Joseph Willis, aged 49, was not present at Exeter Crown Court when Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, adjourned his case until the New Year.
Mr Richard Crabb, prosecuting, said the Crown are awaiting service of a psychiatric report. He agreed to serve more evidence on the defence before the case is listed agains.
A plea and case management hearing date remains set for February 6 next year.
He is accused of the attempted murder of neighbour Helen Pearson, who suffered several stab wounds after an alleged scissors attack in the St Bartholemew's cemetery at Bonhay Road, Exeter.
Willis was arrested after a search by the police helicopter during a large scale operation which followed the alleged stabbing of the 34-year-old victim in the historic mediaeval graveyard in the centre of Exeter.
Both the victim and Willis live nearby.
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