Couple facing assault claim

ALLEGED ATTACK IN A NORTH PUB

A HUSBAND and wife have appeared together in court accused of attacking another couple at a pub.

Steven and Deanne Clark are alleged to have assaulted the man and woman, also married, during an altercation at the Three Horse Shoes, in Blyth, Northumberland, on September 16.

Steven, 43, is suspected of seriously injuring the male and of possessing a claw hammer, while his wife, is accused of attacking the female.

The pair, of Park Farm Cottages, Blyth, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court.

Steven faced one count each of wounding with intent, possessing a claw hammer in pub- lic, criminal damage, driving while disqualified and without insurance and common assault relating to the alleged female victim.

Due to the seriousness of the first charge, no pleas were take from him.

Deanne, 38, faces one count of assaulting the female occasioning actual bodily harm, which she denied.

Ian Jordan, defending, said the wounding with intent charge could only be heard at the crown court and, as everything was linked, all the other matters should be sent there.

He added: “Obviously, the wounding offence is indictable only and the other matters are connected. Deanne Clark’s charge is also connected. It’s all part-and-parcel of one incident.”

The court was told the driving while disqualified and without insurance matter related to Steven allegedly driving a Land Rover, while his criminal damage charge concerned him allegedly damaging a car.

Releasing the pair on unconditional bail, District Judge Bernard Begley said: “I’m allocating both these cases to the crown court as it’s my view that any trial would be joint in the circumstances.”

The couple will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on December 7.