A man has pleaded guilty to wounding with intent after police were called to reports of a firearms incident.

Thomas Patterson admitted the charge on the day he was due to go on trial for attempted murder following reports of a shooting.

The 50-year-old also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of a prohibited weapon – a sawn-off shotgun.

Patterson, of Mill Street, Willington, had also earlier pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker during his arrest following the incident earlier this year.

Judge Timothy Stead remanded Patterson in custody and adjourned the case until December to allow time for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Emergency services had been called shortly after 9pm on Tuesday, May 21 to reports of a disturbance at an address on Russel’s Yard, Willington.

Armed officers attended the scene following reports of a man with a weapon.

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One man suffered hand and leg injuries and was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough for treatment.

Charges of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life were allowed to lie on file by the judge.

His co-accused, Shaun Wilks pleaded guilty to an offender when he drove Patterson away from the scene following the incident.

The 38-year-old, of New Row, Oakenshaw, Crook, was released on bail until the sentencing hearing for both defendants on December 19.