Four men plead guilty in beating on Christmas Day

Durham Crown Court heard that Michael Edward Maxwell, Mark Thomas Gaskell, David Cummings and David Parker knocked at premises in Trimdon Station, on the evening of December 25, last year.

They demanded to see someone they believed was at the house, in Wood View, but were refused entry by a householder.

In response, he was punched in the face and dragged outside, where he underwent a beating at the hands of the quartet, including one wielding a metal bar.

The 28-year-old victim was also kicked and punched, breaking his jaw in two places.

A window at the house was put out in the disturbance.

The case was listed for trial yesterday, but following discussion between legal representatives, various guilty pleas were made.

Cummings, 18, admitted causing grievous bodily harm, having denied the more serious charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He also admitted resisting a female police officer in the execution of her duty.

Gaskell, 22, and 21-year-old Maxwell admitted causing an affray, while Parker, 17, admitted using threatening words and behaviour.

Stephen Duffield, prosecuting, said: "These pleas have been discussed between counsel. We've consulted the Crown Prosecution Service and the investigating officer in the case, who has spoken to witnesses.

"In the light of all those discussions, the Crown is satisfied these are proper pleas, reflecting the criminality of those in the case."

Sentence was adjourned after defence barristers asked for reports on the four by the probation service.

Judge Richard Lowden agreed and bailed Maxwell, of Millbank Chapel Terrace, Station Town, plus Cummings, of Wood View, and Parker, of Station Road East, both Trimdon Station, to return for sentence on November 18. Gaskell, of Wilkinson Road, Horden, was remanded in custody, for sentenced on the same day.

Judge Lowden said: "Just because I'm bailing three of you, don't take it as any hint or indication as to what the likely sentence will be."