A shopkeeper accused of attacking a fish and chip shop owner with a meat cleaver has denied attempted murder.
Ali Yildiz, 33, of Chingford, was charged with attempted murder and assault by beating following the incident in Wivenhoe on September 16.
Theo Papadamou, owner of Papa’s Fish, Chips & Kebabs, was rushed to Colchester General Hospital with serious arm injuries and underwent extensive surgery on his arm.
A woman in her 50s was also assaulted during the incident.
Yildiz was remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, where he denied attempted murder but pleaded guilty to assault by beating.
He will be sentenced for the assault charge when he stands trial at the same court on February 2.