Darlington man charged with Coxwold Drive assault in court

Ben Doyle, 22, was arrested over the weekend and charged with causing grievously bodily harm with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon.

It comes after police were called to Coxwold Drive, where Doyle lives, in Darlington at about 1.30am on Friday (June 21) morning to reports of an assault.

The victim, a man in his 30s, sustained severe injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, where he remains in a serious condition.

Appearing in the dock at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on Tuesday (June 25) in a grey custody sweatshirt and flanked by a security guard, Doyle spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Mr Stephen Andrews, defending, applied for Doyle to be given bail saying he was a “very frightened” and “worried young boy” as he proposed the young man could live with his sister in Darlington.

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But magistrates rejected the application and chair of the bench Ms Lois Neal told a visibly upset Doyle: “We are going to remand you in custody until a hearing at the crown court.”

No pleas were entered and the case was adjourned to Durham Crown Court on July 23, with a provisional trial date set for December.