A MAN has appeared in court charged with grievous bodily harm with intent following an incident in which a man was placed in an induced coma after suffering a bleed on his brain.

Neil Somerton spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address when he appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe.

The 49-year-old of Pateley Moor Crescent, Darlington, did not enter any pleas and was remanded in custody until September 2 when he appears at Teesside Crown Court .

His solicitor, Carl Swift, made no application for bail.

Police were called to an address on Pateley Moor Crescent, in the Firthmoor area, at around 3.40pm on Sunday (August 17) following reports of an assault.

The 27-year-old victim was knocked unconscious during the incident and was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, with serious head injuries.

He is currently in an induced coma suffering from a bleed on his brain and a collapsed lung, as well as cuts to his face.