A MAN has a four day wait to see if he will be jailed after admitting "taking self-defence too far".

The warning was made to Robert Proud yesterday after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a 20-year-old man who was making his way from a shop in Front Street, Catchgate, near Stanley, County Durham, in March last year.

Proud, 32, of Harperley Gardens, Catchgate, previously denied a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.

But on the scheduled opening day of his trial, at Durham Crown Court yesterday, his barrister, Geoff Knowles asked for the charge to be put again to Proud.

He pleaded ‘guilty’, but the court heard it was on a basis given by Proud at the time of his police interview.

David Wilkinson, prosecuting, who told the court there was "a history" to the incident, said the basis of plea was "acceptable" to the Crown.

"Effectively his account is as per what he said in his admissions at interview with police."

Mr Knowles told the court: "The complainant appears to be somewhat reluctant.

"The doctor’s report says he didn’t go back to hospital in terms of further treatment of his injuries and there has been a certain reluctance seeking his attendance today."

Mr Wilkinson said: "He said he has no recollection of the incident even taking place.

"Therefore, there’s no way we can contest the defendant’s claim of self defence gone too far."

Mr Knowles outlined Proud’s case to the court.

"He says there were two punches to the face, one delivered with sufficient force to send him to the ground and then he stamped on his face."

Recorder Andrew Kelbrick adjourned the hearing for preparation of probation reports on Proud.

Bailing him to return to court for sentence on Friday, Recorder Kelbrick told him: "In granting bail I’m making absolutely no premises as to what the sentence will be.

"You should certainly be aware that custody is an option that will be considered."