A nurse has pleaded not guilty to assaulting an elderly patient at a North-East hospital.

Barbara Carty, of Holmlands Road, Darlington is accused of attacking a 73-year-old man, who is not being named by The Northern Echo, on June 25.

The 46-year-old auxiliary nurse appeared at Darlington Magistrates court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The case was adjourned until 3pm on September 9 at Darlington court for a pre-trial review.