A MAN will stand trial later this year accused of carrying out a serious assault outside a pub on Boxing Day.

Tyler John Willmott is charged with causing grievous bodily harm, with intent, and the alternative of unlawful wounding, stemming from the alleged assault outside the Black Lion, in Sedgefield, on December 26.

The victim of the alleged attack, a 22-year-old Shildon man, suffered a fractured skull and at one point was in a critical condition, unconscious in hospital.

He remained in intensive care in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary for almost four weeks after the incident.

Twenty-six-year-old Mr Willmott, of Chaytor Terrace, Fishburn, appeared on screen at Durham Crown Court via video link from Holme House Prison, Stockton.

Arrangements were agreed for his trial, which is estimated to have a three-day duration.

Judge Christopher Prince remanded him, to remain in custody, pending the start of the trial, at the court, on Monday July 7.