A PLEA hearing for a teenager accused of slashing a parent with a knife outside a pre-school has been adjourned.

Solie Essla was charged in connection with the incident in Penrice Close, Colchester, which took place on March 22.

Beeches Pre School Annexe went into lockdown after the parent was hurt while waiting to pick up her child shortly before 3.30pm.

READ MORE >> 'My horror at daughter-in-law being slashed with knife outside pre-school'

She was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries, although they were not believed to be life-threatening.

Gazette: Response - emergency services attend the sceneResponse - emergency services attend the scene

Following the incident Solie Essla, aged 19, was arrested by police officers in connection with the alleged attack. She remains in Chelmsford Prison.

Essla was due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday to issue plea to the charges she faces of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, attempt wounding with intent and assault by beating.

But Essla, of Cavendish Gardens, Barking, declined to attend the hearing, the court heard.

READ MORE >> Pre-school goes into emergency lockdown as parent 'attacked with knife'

Judge David Pugh adjourned proceedings until July 28 and, expecting it to go to trial, added it to the warned list for trial on August 22.

The judge said a psychiatrist has concluded Essla is fit to deliver her plea following a report.