A Darlington man has admitted carrying out a serious injury attack with a bat in a residential street in the town last month.

But Ben Doyle denies that he intended to cause the man injured in the assault grievous bodily harm.

Appearing at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing, via video link to the city’s nearby prison, Doyle denied unlawfully and maliciously causing the victim grievous bodily harm with intent to do so.

His counsel, Johnny Walker, told the court, however, that his client would be prepared to enter a guilty plea to the slightly lesser alternative count of causing grievous bodily harm, but without intent.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

The 22-year-old defendant did, then, plead guilty to a second charge that without lawful authority or reasonable excuse he had an offensive weapon in public, in Coxwold Drive, Darlington, on Friday June 21.

Although the wording on the charge stated that the weapon used in the attack was a baseball bat, Mr Walker said the defendant would say it was more of a rounders’ bat.

Recorder Edward Legard said he did not think an expert in sporting codes would be needed to clarify that issue.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, asked for 14 days to clarify with the reviewing Crown case lawyer if the charge of causing grievous bodily harm, but without intent, would be accepted.

Recorder Legard said the defendant would retain credit for guilty plea for the next 14 days, if that alternative plea is accepted by the Crown.

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A timetable was, however, agreed should the case proceed to trial, with a date for the start of the two-day hearing fixed for Tuesday October 22 at the court.

Should the trial be required the defendant will have to submit his signed defence statement by September 11.

Recorder Legard agreed those dates and remanded the defendant, of Coxwold Drive, to remain in custody pending the trial, if it is required.