The following cases were considered by Darlington magistrates yesterday:

NEW CHARGE: David Mark Smith, 46, of Park Lane, Darlington has had a new charge of false imprisonment set against him.

He is also charged with assaulting Sonia Creighton on August 17 this year and causing her actual bodily harm. His case was adjourned until September 24.

Trial date: John McCallum, 50, of Fenby Avenue, Darlington, will stand trial at Darlington Magistrates' Court on February 27.

He pleaded not guilty to failing to provide a specimen of breath to police on January 19.

Theft denied: A member of the Royal Air Force is to stand trial at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court on January 21.

Thomas McBlain, 22, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, pleaded not guilty to stealing a rucksack, digital camera and books, in Darlington, belonging to Sydney Smith on July 29 2002.

CASE ADJOURNED: The case against Estelle Ford, 48, of Haughton Bank, Heighington, was adjourned until October 8. She is accused of dishonestly obtaining £45,177.23.

ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS: Michael Riordan, 44, and John Riordan, 42, both of Darlington, will appear at the town's magistrates' court on September 26 after their case was adjourned yesterday.

They both stand accused of assaulting Michael Taylor on June 10. John Riordan is also charged with using threatening or abusive behaviour towards Michael and June Taylor.

CHARGE DENIED: Louis Welch, 32, of Honeypot Lane Caravan Site, Darlington, pleaded not guilty to possessing items including a pickaxe handle and a cosh on August 24 in Darlington town centre and to using threatening or abusive behaviour.

The case was adjourned until November 14 for a committal hearing.

COMMITTAL HEARING: George Matthew Daniel, 34, of Bedford Street, Darlington appeared in court charged with causing grievous bodily harm against George Watson on May 28.

The case was adjourned until November 14 for a committal hearing to be held.

CROWN COURT: Van Thanh Liu, 39, of Haigh Terrace, Ferryhill, will stand trial at Teesside Crown Court charged with stealing a £12.38 lock from the B&Q and store in Darlington on September 10.

He pleaded not guilty and the case was adjourned until November 19 for a committal hearing.

DRUNK CHARGE: Robert Joseph Fortune, 54, of Corporation Road, Darlington, has been charged with three offences of being drunk and disorderly in Darlington town centre. The case was adjourned until October 1.