A MAN taken to hospital in a critical condition after an assault in a town centre has been released from hospital.

The man, in his 20s, suffered serious injuries in the attack, near a Job Centre in Station Road, Chester-le-Street, shortly after 1pm, on Wednesday August 10.

He was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary amid great concern over his condition.

When his alleged attacker, 34-year-old Lee Michael Alexander, made his first court appearance, before magistrates in Peterlee, two days later, the victim was by then described as being in a critical, but stable condition.

Durham Police have now confirmed the injured man has been released from hospital and is continuing his recovery at home.

But, a force spokeswoman added: “He is still suffering the after-effects of the attack and will need ongoing hospital treatment for the foreseeable future.”

The case involving Mr Alexander was sent by the magistrates to Durham Crown Court, where he made a short appearance earlier this month, without a plea being taken.

He was to have returned to court to tender his plea today (Friday September 16), but due to over-running trials in both courts the case was taken out of the list and will be re-scheduled in coming days.

Mr Alexander, of Pelaw Crescent, Chester-le-Street, who was initially remanded in custody, has since been granted bail to an address in the Sunderland area.

He is forbidden from entering County Durham other than to attend court or case conferences with lawyers.