NSW man tried to kill relative with hammer

A man accused of trying to kill a relative with a hammer in his home in NSW's Lake Macquarie region will remain behind bars.

David Irvine Shearer allegedly used the tool to smash through a glass door and then assault a man he was related to at Mount Hutton on Monday night.

The 59-year-old victim suffered suspected skull fractures and was taken to John Hunter Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Shearer, 54, was arrested and later charged with attempted murder and aggravated break and enter.

He did not apply for bail and it was formally refused during a brief mention at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday.

His matter will return to court in Newcastle on March 7.