A man accused of causing grievous bodily harm to his partner is likely to admit the offence, a court heard yesterday.

Grey-haired Andrew Hall, 52, appeared at Bradford Crown Court for a preliminary hearing. He is charged with wounding Karen Jude with intent.

The 43-year-old victim has been in a medically-induced coma at Leeds General Infirmary.

She was found in the bedroom of her home, at Gerard House, Fairhaven Green, Thorpe Edge, Bradford, with injuries to her face and head, at 7pm on Sunday, March 16.

Prosecutor Ewan McLachlan told Judge Colin Burn yesterday that she was now semi-conscious.

Mr McLachlan added: “She is likely to remain in hospital for a considerable period of time. It is too early for the doctors to be able to assess her condition and how things might develop.”

The public gallery was packed with relatives for the 20-minute hearing, and a number of police officers also attended court.

Hall, of Gerard House, who was wearing a pale purple round-neck top and blue trousers, sat in the dock with his arms folded.

His barrister, Richard Gioserano, said his client had no recollection of what had occurred.

Mr Gioserano said the defendant had not entered a plea of guilty to the charge, on legal advice.

But he added: “He will accept, once the Crown’s case is served, whatever the evidence proves he has done. If that is a Section 18 wounding, there is likely to be a guilty plea.”

Mr Gioserano said the defence intended to instruct a psychiatrist. The court heard there would also be forensic and medical reports.

Judge Burn adjourned until June 30 for a plea and case management hearing, when the charge or charges would be put to the defendant to enter pleas.

Remanding him in custody, the judge told the defendant: “If it is to proceed to trial on any issue, that will be on September 8.”