The alleged victim of a street attack remains unconscious in hospital a month after the incident, a court was told.

News of the complainant’s unchanged condition was given to Newcastle Crown Court when the man accused of attacking him appeared at a plea hearing in the case.

Craig Dalkin denied a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to cause the 31-year-old man grievous bodily harm.

The charge arises from a confrontation in Newbottle Street, Houghton-le-Spring, at about 8.10pm on Saturday July 30.

Mr Dalkin is accused of delivering two blows, knocking the complainant to the ground, suffering bleeding to the brain.

Read more: Man in hospital following alleged assault in Houghton-le-Spring

The 33-year-old defendant, of Marsden Close, Houghton-le-Spring, claims to have acted in self-defence after being threatened.

Following the defendant’s not guilty plea, prosecuting advocate Kevin Wardlaw told the court: “The complainant is still unconscious in hospital and nothing has changed.”

The case was adjourned for a trial, with the first date suitable at the court for all parties agreed for July 19, next year.

Judge Julie Clemitson said: “It seems an awfully long time away.”

Stage dates were set for presentation of evidence, including a defence statement by November 7.

The defendant was bailed to an address in Sunderland to return to court for a pre-trial hearing on November 15.

He was bailed with an 8pm to 5am curfew at that address, while he is also excluded from Newbottle Street in the meantime.

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