A MAN has denied leaving a victim with four stab wounds following an alleged drug deal.

The man was left bleeding the street in Mandeville Road, Marks Tey, following the attack on October 31.

Donald Adu, 24, appeared via video link at Ipswich Crown Court where he denied wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Two teenage boys – aged 15 and 16 – are also charged with wounding with intent in connection with the same incident.

Separate solicitors representing the two asked for them not to be arraigned as they will be making an application for the charges against them to be dismissed before the case goes to trial.

The boys cannot be named for legal reasons but are both from the Colchester area.

The victim suffered a perforated bowel, punctured lung and one of the stab wounds pierced him from front to back.

He was helped by a former paramedic after the victim was found calling for help on his driveway and he opened the door.

Injuries to the victim – a man in his 40s - have been described by Essex Police as life changing.

It has previously been alleged the victim was set upon by a gang of three men, one of whom was wearing skeleton mask, after he arranged to meet in an alleyway for drugs.

Overseeing the plea hearing, Judge John Devaux ordered the application for the two teenagers to have charges against them be dropped heard back at the same court on April 29.

A trial – which has been estimated to last two weeks should all three defendants still be contesting the charge – has been scheduled for April 29 next year.

The two boys and Adu, of Howard Road, London, have all been remanded in separate custody facilities until their next hearing.

Two other people have been arrested in connection with the attack.

A 21 year-old man from Barking was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is due to answer bail on Saturday.

A 20-year-old woman from Islington arrested on suspicion of the same charge and has been released under investigation.