A Darlington licensee facing a charge of manslaughter was granted conditional bail by magistrates this morning.

Steven John Webb, 35, who manages the Rise Carr Hotel, in Whessoe Road, is accused of killing family man David Willis.

The 51-year-old victim died in Middlesbrough General Hospital yesterday afternoon, six days after receiving a fractured skull and other injuries in an incident in the pub on Saturday evening.

Mr Webb was originally charged with grievous bodily harm, but the manslaughter charge replaced that allegation at this morning's hearing at South Durham Magistrates Court, sitting at Newton Aycliffe.

He was granted bail with conditions including living at an address away from town which was given to the court by his solicitor, Graham Hunsley, and that he does not enter Darlington except to attend court or see Mr Hunsley by pre-arranged appointment.

The case was adjourned for one week.