Two brothers have admitted breaking into a house with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on one of the occupants.

Appearing at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court, Michael Alderson and Robert Douglas Alderson both pleaded guilty to the burglary offence, committed at an address in Kitchener Terrace, Ferryhill, on Tuesday December 21, last year.

The pair denied further charges of making a threat to kill while at the premises, said to have been made to a male and female present, and threatening to destroy or damage the rented property.

Following consultation with a reviewing lawyer in the case, prosecution counsel Matthew Simpson said those pleas were considered acceptable to the Crown and he would ask that the latter two charges would be, “left on the file”, not to be proceeded with, in due course.

Mr Simpson said the basis of plea put forward by both defendant was also considered acceptable to the Crown.

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Both 34-year-old Michael Alderson, of Lime Road, Ferryhill, and his 30-year-old brother, of Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, will be sentenced on Friday (October 21) following preparation of background reports on them by the Probation Service.

The court heard both men are of previous good character.

Adjourning the hearing until Friday, Judge James Adkin told the Aldersons: “You have both now pleaded guilty to a single count alleging a serious burglary and the other charges won’t, now, be proceeded with to a trial.

“The next stage is for you to be sentenced.

“The sentencing judge will need more information as to the risk you pose of committing further offences and your backgrounds.

“I’ll grant you bail in the meantime, but because I’m granting you bail should be taken as no indication as to the likely sentence in this case.

“All sentencing options will be open to the court, whether it be me, or it may be the judge in the other court.”

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