A MAN has appeared in court accused of wounding another man in Catchgate, near Stanley.

Police found Graham Rafferty, 42, unconscious in Langdon Gardens at about 10pm on Sunday.

Mr Rafferty, of nearby Harelaw Gardens, was taken to University Hospital at Durham then to Newcastle General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. His condition was said to be critical.

On Tuesday, David Passmore, 39, of Langdon Gardens, appeared before Consett magistrates court charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was remanded in custody until next Wednesday.

Detectives ask anyone with information about the incident to contact Consett CID on (01207) 504204 or phone Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.