THE trial of a man accused of carrying out a stabbing outside a cricket club bar at a Boxing Day function has been put back until later this month.

Thomas Ian Adams previously denied charges of wounding with intent, having an article with a blade or point in public, and affray, stemming from the incident, at Etherley Cricket Club, near Bishop Auckland, late on December 26.

The 28-year-old victim was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery for a single stab wound to the chest.

Thirty-one-year-old Mr Adams, of The Crescent, High Etherley, was to have stood trial at Durham Crown Court today (Wednesday May 8).

But, as another trial at the court has overrun, it was taken from the list at Durham.

Following agreement between counsel, the case, expected to last up to six days, will now go ahead at Newcastle Crown Court, on Monday, May 20.

Mr Adams remains in custody pending the outcome of the trial.

Co-accused, Joseph Michael Dunn, 29, of Red Houses, High Etherley, who admitted causing an affray at the first crown court hearing in the case, on January 3, remains in custody awaiting sentence pending the outcome of Mr Adams’ trial.