The partner of a woman who is in a medically-induced coma in hospital, has appeared in court on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Andrew Hall, 52, is accused of deliberately wounding Karen Jude, 43, at the flat they shared in Thorpe Edge, Bradford, last Sunday evening.

Hall, who was dressed in a blue poloneck top and blue jeans, appeared from custody in the secure dock at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court yesterday.

He appeared to blink back tears as prosecutor Paul Ramsey outlined details of the alleged offence to the court.

Applying for a remand in custody, on the grounds of domestic violence, Mr Ramsey said police were alerted by an emergency call just before 7pm on Sunday. They forced entry to the flat, in Gerard House, Fairhaven Green, Thorpe Edge, and found the woman on the bedroom floor with injuries to her face and head.

Mr Ramsey said she was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where she remained in a medically-induced coma.

The prosecutor said the couple had been in a relationship for three months.

Hall’s solicitor, Damian Walsh, told the magistrates there was no application for bail at this stage.

During the five-minute hearing, Hall, of Gerard House, was accompanied in the dock by a security officer and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Family members and investigating police officers were in court for the brief hearing.

Chairman of the Bench Peter Walker, told Hall he was being remanded in custody to appear next at Bradford Crown Court on April 3.

The injured woman had moved into the block of flats about six months earlier and is believed to have a son in his 20s.