Garry Hurlston (41) fired his second lawyer, Michael Wingrave last week and is now unrepresented. His case is due to be heard before a judge on 15 July.

Hurlston has been charged with the attempted murder of Wesley Clarke by stabbing him in the neck during an altercation at a party in the Windsor Park area at approximately 3am on 21^st June last year.

Clarke was taken to the hospital immediately following the incident and slipped into a coma. He has been in an unresponsive state ever since and is connected to a life support machine.

The defendant began a trial earlier in April, when he was represented by John Furniss, but partway through the case was adjourned when Hurlston sacked him.

The court has told Hurlston that this will be the last legal representation he will be able to gain through the legal aid system. If he wants anyone else he will have to fund legal representation himself.

Hurlston told the court he wanted the matter disposed of quickly and intimated he may represent himself with the advice of his first lawyer, Furniss.

His trial will be before a judge alone.