A naturist dubbed the Naked Carpenter will stand trial in November accused of attempting to murder a police officer.

Robert Jenner, 48, allegedly stabbed PC Sean Quinn in the head with a pair of scissors on June 15 this year.

The incident, which was branded a 'horrific assault' by a Kent Police spokesperson, occurred at about 8pm at Jenner's home in Maidstone after officers attended a property in Albion Place.

PC Quinn, a man in his 50s, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital by air ambulance, but was later discharged to recover at home.

However, he is yet to return to duty.

Jenner, a former soldier who claims to have served in the Army for 10 years, was arrested at the scene.

The Naked Carpenter, who was given his nickname for carrying out odd jobs in the nude, has gained notoriety in the past for his revealing behaviour and claims to have been a naturist for more than 20 years.

He has reportedly been a member of the Naturist Society, taking part in naked swims and visiting nudist beaches in France, Spain and Kent's Isle of Sheppey.

Jenner appeared at Maidstone Crown Court in Kent for a plea and trial preparation hearing via video link with London's Belmarsh Prison.

He could be seen sitting on a bench wearing a grey t-shirt and gret trousers.

Jenner spoke only to confirm his name and to plead not guilty to an offence of attempted murder.

His trial will start on November 20 and is expected to last seven days.

Judge Philip St.John-Stevens told the court the issue in the case was one of lack of intent to kill.

Danny Moore, defending, said a psychiatric assessment would be sought.

Jenner was remanded in custody.

At the time of his arrest, Kent Police Deputy Chief Constable, Peter Ayling said: 'This horrific assault shows us once again that policing can, at times, be dangerous and unpredictable.

'In Kent Police, any assault on a police officer going about their duty is entirely unacceptable and will be met with the full force of pursuit and investigation.

'Our thoughts are with the officer and his family at this time.'

The stabbing took place at a block of two former Edwardian town houses which had been converted into flats on the edge of a modern industrial estate that includes car showrooms and offices.

One neighbour, who lives in the flat below the suspect, said she saw the officer being taken out of the building in Albion Place in a wheelchair.

The 23-year-old office worker said: 'The 23-year-old office worker said: 'I'd seen the one police car come by and then I saw it parked up round the back of the building around 8pm.

'I could hear a rhythmic banging coming from upstairs.

It sounded like someone was trying to bang the door down.

'Then I heard this noise like someone was being dragged across the floor.

'After about half an hour my partner was going to go up there and say something, but then we saw a flood of police officers enter the flat.

'Later on, a police officer was brought out of the building in a wheelchair.

'He had blood on his head and the back of his neck, and a bandage wrapped around his head.

'He was an older man - in his 50s I'd say.

'That must've been around 10pm.

Then forensics arrived about 11:30pm.'

She added: 'We do get the occasional banging from upstairs but never anything more than that.

A 22-year-old, who has lived in the block of flats for five months, said there's rarely any trouble in the area.

She added: 'I've never seen police around here before.

'You occasionally get people hanging around the back, but there's not normally any trouble.

'I thought it was a safe place to live but now I'm not so sure.'