A COUNCILLOR has hit back at claims that part of Darlington is "particularly unpleasant and full of unpleasant people".

The claim was made by solicitor Laura Saunders-Jerrom, while representing a client in court.

Peter Henry Taylor, 57, of Pierremont Crescent, Darlington, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Darlington Magistrates' Court in Thursday.

The court heard he smashed a door with a hammer in a fit of anger after being taken hostage and beaten up.

Mitigating, Ms Saunders-Jerrom said: "He's quite a vulnerable man, because of his alcoholism and the fact that he is living in an area that is particularly unpleasant and full of unpleasant people."

The court heard Taylor had visited a neighbour and the flat was full of strangers. He was taken hostage for a couple of hours and beaten up.

Yesterday, Councillor Ian Galletley, who represents the College ward on Darlington Borough Council, said: "The people who live in Pierremont Crescent are absolutely incredulous about it. The residents say it is a nice area not a bad area. One or two houses have been broken up into flats, but the street is full of very nice people who are hard-working and decent."

Taylor was ordered to pay £35 compensation and £34 costs.