A MAN has denied attempting to attack another pub customer with a hammer.
Stephen James Lynch is accused of launching the attempted assault on seeing the man, with whom he was said to have had a previous disagreement, at the Marquis of Granby, in Framwellgate Moor, Durham, on Friday, March 17.
Durham Crown Court was told that other drinkers intervened to prevent the altercation escalating.
He denied attempted grievous bodily harm, with intent, and possessing an offensive weapon in public.
Liam O’Brien, for the defendant, told the court there was a “background” to the incident, and that the defendant would claim “self-defence”.
Asked by Judge Simon Hickey for his explanation for having the hammer, Mr O’Brien said he visited the pub straight after work, and was carrying his tool kit with him at the time.
The case was adjourned for a two-day trial, in the week of August 29, and the 31-year-old defendant, was bailed to an address in Farnham Road, Newton Hall, Durham, on condition he keeps away from the pub.
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