A 31-YEAR-OLD from Darlington had a case against him dismissed by magistrates.

Paul Elstob, of North Road, pleaded not guilty to threatening behaviour and unlawful violence after an early morning street brawl in March.

Mr Elstob and a group of friends had been drinking in Darlington and got into a fight with another group of men in Gladstone Street.

The fight was witnessed by Inspector William Bentham, of Durham Police, who arrested Mr Elstob.

Insp Bentham told the court he had seen Mr Elstob kick an unconscious man in the head.

Mr Elstob denied fighting with the unconscious man but said he got into a scuffle with another man, after he was punched in the face.

Chairman of the Bench Denness Garraway, said although Insp Bentham was a credible witness, the charges could not been proved.