A man accused of murdering 18-year-old Eliza Ward in the Belfast restaurant where they both worked was attacked in the dock at a magistrates' court yesterday. Gerard Patrick Stewart, 20, of Iris Drive, Belfast, had just been remanded in custody when a man raced from his seat and forced his way into the dock. He grabbed Stewart by the neck and started to punch him around the head and face, then appeared to try to gouge his eyes.

Sir: David Lister's article ("Can it be wrong to `black up' for Othello?", 7 August) about casting Othello attributes the reluctance of theatre companies to cast white actors in the role in part to political correctness.

POPULAR CULTURE

The Christmas Sci-Fi Special takes place at Wembley Arena, London (0181-900 1234) today and tomorrow, from 1pm-9pm. pounds 25-35

The Critics: TELEVISION

British Psychological Society: Scientists cast doubt on attempts to cut fraud and reveal sci-fi cult fans' secrets

One doesn't have to be a Trekkie to confidently finish off Mark Sullivan's opening gambit. "The Science Museum's mission is..." Yes, we all know: to boldly go where no museum has gone before. "No. To promote public understanding of science."

Quark, the Ferenge barman, arrives a preview party to launch the opening of Star Trek - The Exhibition at the Science Museum in London.

"2,4,6,8. How do we know that Kirk is straight?" is the battle- cry for a new breed of SF fans, the Gaylaxians, who in America have unsuccesfully lobbied Star Trek's producers over recent years for gay characters to be introduced to the series.

Patrick Deuchar wants to turn Prince Albert's temple to the Arts and Sciences into `Britain's Village Hall', the hot venue for rock shows, charity bashes and cult conventions. Most of all, he wants to attract big business. ROSIE MILLARD reports. Photogra

Why Lt Uhura didn't jump (star)ship

Star Trek: Generations Dir: David Carson (PG) Solitaire for 2 Dir: Gary Sinyor (15) Dallas Doll Dir: Ann Turner (18)

Captain Kirk's been killed off, but since when has death been terminal in Star Trek? Max Walker wonders if the Final Frontier will ever be reached

AN ANALYSIS of a quarter century of the television programme Star Trek has revealed how the shows have become more scientifically sophisticated but less optimistic than in the Sixties.