A TEENAGER accused of stabbing his love rival in a violent scuffle will stand trial next month.

The 16-year-old allegedly plunged the knife into his friend during a fight over the complainant’s girlfriend on July 8 this year.

He appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court today, accompanied by his father.

Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said: “This is a case that the crown says is a grave offence.

“At three o’clock in the afternoon the defendant met up with his friend who is the complainant in this case.

“There appears to be a dispute."

The complainant suffered a 2.5cms-long puncture wound to the chest which was 5cms deep, as well as a mark on his back, the court heard.

The teenager is yet to indicate a plea to a charge of wounding with intent and one of possession of a knife.

He was released on bail on the condition that he does not go anywhere north of Thamesdown Drive or contact the boy he is accused of stabbing.

Magistrate Simon Crichton told him: “The discussion we have just had is whether this is a grave crime.

“We have decided this is a grave crime and this case will go to the crown court.’

The teenager is due at Swindon Crown Court on November 10.