A man who carried out a serious assault on a defenceless victim was told his sentence will be in “years”.

The warning was given to Darren Yates after he pleaded guilty to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, when he appeared via video link from Durham Prison at a plea hearing at the city’s crown court on Thursday (August 18).

Despite him saying: “I didn’t mean it”, after giving his plea, his counsel, Michael Cahill told Judge James Adkin: “He understands the charge and it’s been made clear to him.

“He would wish to enter that plea. He has remorse for doing it.”

Read more: Woman admits attack in County Durham but faces trial over her intent

Judge Adkin told Mr Cahill: “There were four punches and two stamps on a prone defenceless man.”

Paul Rooney, prosecuting, said there appeared to have been “something of a history” between the complainant and the defendant, which prove of some relevance when the court assesses Yates’ perceived dangerousness prior to sentence.

Judge Adkin said he would require an update on the victim’s statement as to the impact of the assault and the latest medical assessment.

The assault took place in Adelaide Row, Seaham, when the complainant was sitting on a bench, on July 20 this year.

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Addressing the defendant, Judge Adkin told him: “You have now pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and the next stage is for you to be sentenced.

“Before I can do that I will need a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service to assess the risk you pose to other members of the public.

“It will be a long custodial sentence, in a number of years, but how long will be determined in September, when you are sentenced.”

He remanded the defendant to remain in custody pending the sentencing hearing at the court on September 23.

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Pair jailed in separate cases, both involving violence

Jailing of man for prolonged attack among cases sentenced at Durham Crown Court in recent days

Inmate was making protest at planned move from County Durham jail

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