Man remanded on charge of stabbing Street actor

The man accused of stabbing and robbing Coronation Street actor John Savident has been further remanded in custody.

Michael Smith appeared before Manchester City Magistrates through a video link from Strangeways jail, where he is being held on remand.

There was no application for bail and the case was adjourned until January 19, when the 28-year-old will face proceedings to commit him to Crown Court.

Smith, of Elgin Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, entered no plea during the brief hearing.

He appeared on a screen in the corner of the courtroom, sitting alongside his solicitor, Kristina Harrison.

Smith is charged with wounding the actor who plays Fred Elliott on December 1 last year with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

He is also accused of robbing him of a wallet, four credit cards, a watch, an invitation to a Coronation Street 40th anniversary dinner, a silver money clip with £80 cash, and house and car keys, worth a total of £1,500.

Mr Savident, 61, needed hospital treatment for a wound to his neck after an incident at his flat near the Granada TV studios in Manchester.